'To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness their sins'

‘To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins’ 

For you will go before the Lord to prepare his way; Canticle of Zechariah!  Perhaps the most profound section of scripture since it supersedes any monetary, self-giving sacrifice, or even periods of worship without the knowledge of our forgiveness.  

Reflect on the parable from Luke with the Pharisee and the tax-collector going into the temple for prayer;  Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector.  The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity - greedy, dishonest, adulterous - or even like this tax-collector.  I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’  But the tax-collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’  I tell you the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.  (Lk 18:10 - 14).

Does this ring a bell in the hearts of the many who gloat over their ability to give or to those who spend hours in church patting themselves on their back so that others will notice their sacrifice?

No where in the bible will we find God’s premise of obedience that requires loads of money or many hours of self-giving in order to attain forgiveness for their sins.  The words in the Canticle of Zechariah are the very essence of what Christ suffered and died for, as the criminal on one side of Jesus on his cross simply spoke to Jesus:  “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”   (Lk 23: 42).

So much for the wealthy receiving justification because they have a lot of money and do not see their lack of understanding without the mercy of God which is freely given; you cannot earn or pay for eternal life without having your sins removed.  That is what humility is all about.

I remember the first time I read this Gospel Canticle and saw the part that began - You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; the following words spoke to my heart as being the most profound statement of this prayer.  Giving to us a truth that should stay in our hearts that this is the most essential teaching that needs no text or learned philosophy to understand God.  Anyone who was never taught a catechesis script still will understand this very simple yet right to the point premise regarding God and his primary requirement for forgiveness is found in these words.  Each time I read these words something inside my mind speaks to my ability to write about them.  Today, the Holy Spirit told me to write my feelings about what I am reading and share them with those who read this text.

It is not too far removed from the Sacrament of Confirmation since it is a concise reflection on what Zechariah spoke in a condensed version of reaching out to the world’s people in need of Christ.  In the Sacrament the bishop invokes the outpouring of the Spirit in these words:  

“All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life.  Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide.  Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence.  Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.”  (Ordo confirmationis)  

The irony of all this finds completion on the Cross when the forgiveness of our sins is completed when Jesus bows his head and says; “It is finished!”  (Jn 19: 30). 

Ralph B. Hathaway