Freedom

As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July and "freedom," the Canticle of Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79; Gospel Canticle for Morning Prayer, Liturgy of the Hours) proclaims the source of our freedom: "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; 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 servent David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."