Blessed be the Lord

The Canticle of Zechariah, also known as the Benedictus (Latin for the first word, "Blessed be") is a song of thanksgiving uttered by Zechariah on the occasion of the circumcision of his son, John the Baptist.

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This fulfills the angel's word that Zechariah would be unable to speak until the day these things (the birth of John) take place.

The canticle naturally falls into two parts. The first part is a thanksgiving to God for the realization of the messianic hopes of Israel, given a Christian tone. While the Jews waited for deliverance from their enemies with the coming of the Messiah, such as driving the Romans away and restoring the Davidic kingdom, the deliverance is not for the sake of earthly power, but to enable the people to worship God in holiness and righteousness.

The second part is addressed to Zechariah's own son, who has a role in the scheme of salvation. He is to be the forerunner of the Redeemer, preparing the people for his coming by preaching reconciliation through the forgiveness of their sins. The canticle is the answer to the query of Zechariah's neighbors and relatives, "What, then, will this child be?" (Lk 1:66).