DAILY- HOMILY

DECEMBER 22, 2011
THURSDAY 4TH WEEK OF ADVENT – YEAR I

1 Sm 1: 24-28 / 1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8 / Lk 1: 46-56

1 SAMUEL 1: 24-28
When the child was weaned, Hannah took him with her along with a
three-year-old bull, a measure of flour and a flask of wine, and she
brought him to Yahweh's house at Shiloh. The child was still young.
After they had slain the bull, they brought the child to Eli. Hannah
exclaimed: "Oh, my lord, look! I am the woman who was standing here in
your presence, praying to Yahweh. I asked for this child and Yahweh
granted me the favor I begged of him. Now, I think, Yahweh is asking
for this child. As long as he lives, he belongs to Yahweh." And they
worshiped Yahweh there.

LUKE 1:46-56
Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit
exults in God my savior! He has looked upon his servant in her
lowliness, and people forever will call me blessed. The Mighty One has
done great things for me, Holy is his Name! From age to age his mercy
extends to those who live in his presence. He has acted with power and
done wonders, and scattered the proud with their plans. He has put
down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up those who are
downtrodden. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent
the rich away empty. He held out his hand to Israel, his servant, for
he remembered his mercy, even as he promised our fathers, Abraham and
his descendants forever." Mary remained with Elizabeth about three
months and then returned home.

REFLECTION
In today's first reading, Hannah implored the Lord for a son. A son
was granted her; she promptly offered her son to the Lord. She prayed
and exalted loud.

We also have Mary whose praise, thanksgiving and exultation of the
Lord never ended. Notwithstanding her condition, Mary, upon hearing of
her cousin Elizabeth's situation, immediately went to help her. Here
is shown the missionary spirit of Mary. She did not hesitate to go;
she knew that she was but a weak instrument in the hands of the Lord.
Elizabeth, upon hearing Mary's greeting, was filled with the Holy
Spirit and cried. "Why is this that the Mother of my Lord should come
to me? Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the
Lord would be fulfilled." (Lk 1:43-45)

In response to her cousin's greeting, Mary sang her Magnificat which
came forth from her humility, her faith, her hope, her joy and her
thanksgiving. Mary was faithful in knowing too the teaching of the
past before her. Her song echoes the long-ago prayer of Hannah, "My
soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit rejoices… the almighty has done
great things for me exalted those of low degree," ( Samuel 1:2, 1-10.)
Mary teaches us how to pray, how to choose what to say to the Lord.

Mary believed in the Lord's call and surrendered herself to Him with
complete trust. What does this attitude of Mary tell us? She teaches
us to do what the Lord asks of us in the service of the mission. Mary,
help us to open our hearts and minds to the Holy One so that we may
listen and do His will in all things.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Jo Marcelo
- Mon Torres
- Rakkie Villa
- Anthony Lu
- Chief Samrose Anyaugo
- Mon Torres
- Rakkie Villa
- Cecilia Yu
… for the personal intentions of
- Pauline
- Josheil Dapo
- Dr. Ugo Anyaugo, Mr. Ogechi Anyaugo, Barr Obinna Okoronkwo, Barr Mrs
Barbs Adaugo Okoronkwo, Mr .Ifeanyi Anyaugo, Mr Chuboy Anyaugo,
Cordelia Anyaugo
.. for the victims of the floods in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and
their families
… for the eternal repose of the soul of
- Jo Marcelo
Eternal rest grant unto them and may perpetual light shine upon them.
May they and all the dearly departed rest in peace.
… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Birthday: Christopher T. Reyes
- Birthday: Arthur Chong Muñoz
- Birthday: Jonathan James & Therese Alyson Chuaunsu
- Birthday: Lilian Yusio Mui
- Wedding Anniversary: Art & Mariter Macapagal
- In Memoriam (+): Tan Siu Go
- In Memoriam (+): Antonio A. Morabe
… for families who are in need of healing
… for world peace and reconciliation.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers
and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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