07 November 2018

Word of the Day: Benedictus

BENEDICTUS. The song of thanksgiving of Zechariah at the birth of his son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:68-79). It is addressed to God in gratitude for fulfilling the Messianic promises, and to the child who is to be the forerunner of the Messiah. In the Western Church it is sung or recited liturgically at Lauds or morning prayer.
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The Canticle from Lauds, which I do not have memorised, but the Anglican Prayerbook translation still comes back to haunt me when I recite the Office.

(Canticle of Zacharias: Luke 1:68-79)
1:68 Blessed be the Lord  God of Israel; * because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people:
1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, * in the house of David his servant:
1:70 As he spoke by the mouth of his holy Prophets, * who are from the beginning:
1:71 Salvation from our enemies, * and from the hand of all that hate us:
1:72 To perform mercy to our fathers, * and to remember his holy testament,
1:73 The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, * that he would grant to us,
1:74 That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, * we may serve him without fear,
1:75 In holiness and justice before him, * all our days.
1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: * for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways:
1:77 To give knowledge of salvation to his people, * unto the remission of their sins:
1:78 Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, * in which the Orient from on high hath visited us:
1:79 To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: * to direct our feet into the way of peace.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. 
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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