Today we read the Canticle of Zachariah which starts like this: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.” But you may wonder when this might happen since we still have enemies, those who hate Christians, those who persecute them, those who don’t believe in God. I think the answer to those questions can be found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus said: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” God does offer us peace and freedom. However, not in this world. He promises us much more -- and eternal peace and eternal happiness. One day we will be freed from all our enemies, those who hate us, and from those who persecute Christians. This is why Zachariah proclaims his joy to the world.
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