December 24 2018 - To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death

Today's Gospel is the Canticle of Zechariah, also called the "Benedictus" because of its opening line in Latin, “Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel”—“Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel”. This song of thanksgiving is prayed every day in the Church's Liturgy of the Hours, as part of the Church’s morning prayer.

The Benedictus is fittingly proclaimed today, on Christmas Eve morning Mass, for is the prayer of the faithful, hopeful soul, Zechariah who  anticipates the rising sun of God just about to break over the horizon of the history of Israel. Zechariah, sees in the birth of his son, John the forerunner, a sign of hope, that the Messiah must be coming soon. And in his Canticle, Zechariah celebrates how the good things God was doing in his family were part of God’s larger plan for Israel and for the salvation of the human race. What is our Canticle? Could we sing a similar song? Do we have the eyes of faith to see how God is working in our families, to save the souls of our family members, to use our family members as his instruments for his plan for human salvation?

Zechariah recognizes that his son John is the “prophet of the Most High” who will “go before the Lord to prepare His way”. But, aren't we all called to do the same, especially in the context of our family gatherings this Christmas: to be prophets pointing to Christ. How does God want to loosen our tongues to proclaim His praises in the context of our families, like he did to Zechariah?

The Lord certainly desires “to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death”, in our world, and in our families. And he wants to do so through us. May we bring the light, the joy, the beauty of his saving birth, into our Christmas gatherings and celebrations today and always, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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Rejoicing in the Lord's nearness, we raise up our prayers of petition.
 
May Christ, the Wisdom which comes from the mouth of God, guide us in knowledge and love.

May Christ, leader of the House of Israel, bring protection to all of the oppressed.

May Christ, the Root of Jesse, come to the aid of nations and leaders of nations to walk in the ways of peace.

May Christ, Key of David, free all those captive to sin.

May Christ, the Morning Star, enlighten those who dwell in the shadow of death.

May Christ, King of the Nations, be the desire of the entire human race.

May Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, bring comfort to all those who suffer and who mourn, and for the deceased priests of the diocese of Cleveland, for whom this Mass is offered.