Mary said

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Readings: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd; Lk 1:46-56
Notes: Hannah sang and Mary said. Both acted in faith.

We should listen to our women when they speak.
We should give of ourselves as mothers tend to their children.

Hannah, Elizabeth and Mary honored this season for their faith, bravery and self-sacrifice.
Yes, and their femininity and motherhood.
Yes, and their turning to the LORD as only God can overcome all things.

We would do well to be like them, each according to our station:

Praising God and trusting him.

First reading
Hannah brought Samuel to the temple to fulfill her promise to the Lord.
The Lord fulfilled her deepest desire to have a son.
She gladly is sharing him with the Lord as he came from the Lord.

Previous to today’s portion:
The next time her husband Elkanah was going up with the rest of his household to offer the customary sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vows, Hannah did not go, explaining to her husband, “Once the child is weaned, I will take him to appear before the LORD and leave him there forever.” Her husband Elkanah answered her: “Do what you think best; wait until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD fulfill his word!” And so she remained at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him (1 Sam 1:21-23).

Responsorial Psalm
My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Hannah’s song:

“My heart exults in the LORD,
my horn is exalted in my God.
I have swallowed up my enemies;
I rejoice in my victory.”

Alleluia Verse
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

Gospel Portion
Today, every day, we join in Mary’s prayer as a part of the Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours.

In some small way, we join our hearts with Mary (and before her Hannah) in giving everything because He, the Lord, Our God, has given everything. Let us praise the Lord with Hannah, Elizabeth and Mary.

Did you do the O Antiphon evening prayer for the days leading up to Christmas?
There is still time: O Antphon.

Mary’s song:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
for he has looked upon his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
and has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry