In the first reading, from the first book of Samuel, Hannah brings her son Samuel to the temple to present him, dedicate him, and consecrate him to the Lord. Remember, Hannah had experienced deep sorrow and misery over her barrenness, so she prayed devoutly for a son. She recognizes that the birth came through the Lord’s great favor, and so she returned to the temple where she once prayed, now to thank God for her son. “I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD;”
Yesterday, we heard how Our Lady went in haste to the hill country of Judea to care for her kinswoman Elizabeth. When Elizabeth praises Our Lady, calling her “the mother of my Lord”, Mary in turn praises God by praying her great Magnificat. Mary recognizes that God is the source of her blessing, and returns all praise to Him.
Mary and Hannah teach us an important lesson as we approach Christmas. Christmas is filled with so many blessings: of family, presents, good food. As we partake in these great blessings, it is important for us to do so with the prayerful gratitude. At the end of each day, in fact, we do well to look back on our day, thanking God for each and every blessing.
The O Antiphon for today, the 22nd of December, reminds us of our humble origins. “O King of the nations, the cornerstone and the desire of all peoples. Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.”
Made from the clay, we owe our gratitude to God for everything, for the gift of life, for the food which fills the earth, for the time we’ve been given to “work out our salvation” as St. Paul says.
May an attitude of gratitude prevail in us this Christmas by using our time, talent, and treasure for his will, not simply our own. May we recognize in the Christ Child the source of all blessing and salvation, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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We raise up our prayers of petitions, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.
That all peoples of the earth may come to believe in God as the source of all life, goodness, and blessing.
For the protection of the unborn, and the overturning of all laws lacking respect for the dignity of human life.
That those struggling with winter depression or addiction may find peace and joy in Christ.
That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, ward off every affliction, and strengthen all who suffer persecution for the sake of the Gospel.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.
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