Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;*
he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty savior,*
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old,that he would save us from our enemies,*
from the hands of all who hate us.he promised to show mercy to our fathers*
and to remember his holy covenant.This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham,*
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,Free to worship him without fear,*
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,*
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,To give his people knowledge of salvation*
by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God*
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,*
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.(Luke 1:68-79/Canticle 16)
This is another one of those scriptural songs that we sing on a regular basis during Morning Prayer. It is also known as the Benedictus Dominus Deus (Blessed be the Lord God).
It is the song sung in the Gospel of Luke by John the Baptist’s father at hearing that Elizabeth will give birth to a son Some of it parallels the Magnificat (Mary’s song in Luke).
Traditionally the Canticle has been used at Morning Prayer the first four weeks of Lent, on Sundays between the New Testament Lesson and the Gospel, on High Holy Days through the year, and is even suggested as one of the three canticles used as the coffin is carried in the church at a funeral.
Why is this ancient song so special?
It is a song that calls the people of God to freedom. To remember the freedom given to the children of Israel from Egypt, and the freedom given in the savior Jesus.
It is a song that lifts up the covenant, both ancient and new. It draws on the past and yet points to the future. It call the people of God to see themselves as part of God’s ongoing history with God’s people. It is salvation history, born in Israel, continued in Jesus.
It is a song that promises a reversal of our situation. Darkness will be turned into light. Fear will be overcome. Sin will be forgiven. The pasth of violence and discord will be turned into a way of peace.
May this season of Lent be one of repentance, turning around. As we learn to praise God this season may we receive the freedom that God promises, may we be inspired by our past and positioned for a future in companionship with God.