Zechariah’s Canticle: God’s Promises to Abraham Fulfilled – Dec 24 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Dec 24, 2024, on God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through Christ, urging repentance and preparation for His coming.

Father explained Zachariah's praise of God for fulfilling promises made to Abraham and David. He noted the significance of their names: John meaning "the Lord is merciful" (Luke 1:13), Zachariah as "the Lord has remembered" (Luke 1:72-73), and Elizabeth embodying "God's oath." He highlighted God's covenant promises to Abraham—a land, a dynasty, and seed (Genesis 12:1-3, 2 Samuel 7:12-16)—fulfilled through Christ. Father referenced the timeline of these fulfillments: the Exodus (Exodus 6:8), the house of David (1 Kings 8:16), and ultimately Jesus (Galatians 3:16), now present in Mary’s womb (Luke 1:43).

The temple as a dwelling place chosen by God prefigures Christ's incarnation, Mary, and the Church (John 2:19-21). Father reflected on David's humility in wanting to build the temple (2 Samuel 7:2-13), acknowledging that Solomon, not David, was the chosen builder, foreshadowing Christ as both builder and temple. Psalm 132:11 proclaims Jesus' divine origin, "One from the fruit of your womb," affirming His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Revelation 12:1-2).

Zachariah’s Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79) celebrates God’s salvation, with John’s role as the prophet preparing the way for Jesus (Malachi 3:1, Luke 3:4). The "dawn from on high" (Luke 1:78) points to Christ as the messianic branch (Zechariah 3:8). Father urged preparing hearts for Christmas through repentance, echoing John’s call to combat sin (Luke 3:3).

For Further Reading
Luke 1:13 - NAB - Birth of John Foretold - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?13
Genesis 12:1-3 - NAB - God's Promises to Abraham - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/12?1
2 Samuel 7:12-16 - NAB - God's Covenant with David - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/7?12
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant - Text: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p2.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Incarnation and God's Plan - Text: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p1.htm#464
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Christ as Temple - Text: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/586.htm

00:00 – Introduction: Praised Be Jesus and Mary
00:10 – Zachariah’s Prophecy Fulfilled
01:10 – Promises to Abraham and David
01:55 – Christ’s Fulfillment of Old Covenants
02:14 – David and the Temple’s Symbolism
03:36 – Solomon and Christ: Temple Builders
06:07 – Zachariah’s Canticle and Prophecy
09:19 – Advent Reflection and Repentance

Ave Maria!

Mass: Weekdays of Advent - Dec 24 Morning
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122424.cfm
1st: 2sa 7:1-5, 8-11, 16
Resp: psa 89:2-5, 27, 29
Gsp: luk 1:67-79

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1335

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