DAILY- HOMILY

December 22, 2014

Monday 4th Week of Advent 

(O Rex Gentium) 

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

Reading: 1 Sm 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.         

Gospel: Luke 1: 46-56

And 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 and a son was granted her. She promptly offered her son to the Lord and she prayed and exalted loud. 

We also have Mary whose praise, thanksgiving and exultation of the Lord never ended.  Notwithstanding her condition, she immediately traveled to the hill country to help her pregnant cousin. Here is shown the missionary spirit of Mary. 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, her thanksgiving. Mary was faithful in knowing 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 and holy is His name." Mary teaches us how to pray and how to choose what to say to the Lord.

Mary, help us open our hearts and our mind 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 all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary

... 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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