The Time is Here

Gospel: Luke 1: 67-79

Everyday the Church prays these words of Zechariah at morning prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours; it is the one constant text each morning.  It is well, then, to reflect on this prayer as it is given to us today on the eve of the great celebration of the birth of Jesus.  

Each day in this prayer we give thanks for God's saving words and deeds in salvation history and in our own lives.  It is a proclamation of liberation from bondage in all of its forms.  And it is a declaration of peace.  Liberation and peace do not come to us from war or any other forms of violence.  They come about in one way, the way of the Lord Jesus.  

Jesus came into the world in the most humblest of means.  He lived a life of quiet solitude for most of his days.  He then went about on a mission of mercy, healing people of their infirmities, feeding the hungry, and forgiving sins. In his last days he knelt down to wash our feet, then took our place at the executioner's station.  Only by imitating him and living as he did can we come to liberation and peace in our lives and in our world.  This is our prayer every morning. This is the message of Christmas here and now and always.