DAILY- HOMILY

December 22, 2017 – FRIDAY, 3rd Week of Advent

O Rex Gentium

Violet

[Misa de Gallo, White, with Gloria]

1 Sm 1: 24- 28 / Lk 1: 46- 56

FROM THE FIRST READING:          1 Sm 1: 25- 28

     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 READING:           Lk 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 the first reading Hannah offers her child Samuel to Eli for the service of the

Lord.

     The Gospel reading is Mary's Magnificat, her song of praise and thanksgiving to

God during her visit to assist her cousin Elizabeth.

     The two readings speak of three special children born under unusual circumstances by the graciousness and love of God and destined for key roles in God's plans: Samuel, born to childless Hannah and called to lead Israel against the Philistines; John the Baptist born to aged and barren Elizabeth to be the Precursor of the Messiah to prepare for his coming and Jesus, the Son of God, our Savior, born of Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit.

     Similar to Mary's Magnificat, Hannah also extols God's goodness and greatness in her song of praise, "My heart exults in Yahweh, I feel strong in my God. I rejoice and laugh at my enemies for you came with power to save me. Yahweh alone is holy, no one is like yothere is no Rock like our God." (1 Sm 2: 1 - 2)

     Let us join Hannah and Mary in their praise and gratitude to God for his goodness and all his wonderful deeds for us.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     CHRISTIAN JOSHUA E ACERO

     CHRISTOPHER E. REYES

IN MEMORIAM (†)

     TAN SIU GO

OTHER INTENTIONS:

For the physical, emotional and spiritual recovery of Joy Juan.

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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   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

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