The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 22, 2005

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Samuel 1:24-28
1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
Luke 1:46-56

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Christmas is coming very soon! It is the season for the giving and receiving of gifts. Just as our material gifts of Christmas are meant to show our love for one another, the scriptural readings for today remind us of an even deeper love.

In the first reading we have the very moving story of Hannah dedicating her son Samuel to the Lord. The gospel from St. Luke is the beautiful "Magnificat" of our Blessed Mother. Both readings reflect the deep love of the persons involved.

Without seeming to be presumptuous, as baptized Christians, are there not parts of the Magnificat that we also can proclaim? We have received the wonderful gift of baptism, so we too can say "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord." We can do so by word and example. And yes, like Mary, we realize "He has looked upon his lowly servant." Granted, there are other parts of the Magnificat that pertain only to Our Blessed Mother, but in this time of the giving and receiving of gifts let us proclaim the many gifts God has given us.

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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