Hatch, Match and Dispatch

Greetings on this the Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd; Lk 1:46-56

Notes

In previous reflections I marveled at the various miracle births spread throughout the sacred Scripture. Today, Samuel, earlier in the week Samson, John and Jesus. And Hannah prayed: “My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted by my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in your victory. There is no Holy One like the LORD;
there is no Rock like our God (1 Sam 2:1-2). And Mary prayed, saying “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.

Summary

Every woman marvels at her baby. As well they should. And when babies are a miraculous responses of divine life we give thanks even more. Upon the birth of every child:

• My soul rejoices.
• The enemy which is death is defeated.
• God is victorious.
• God looks upon us and graces us.
• This is a great thing.
• Holy is his name.

Reflection

When I was in seminary they told me how important my role was in reassuring people that the Lord loves them. Specifically, they said that I will engage people in the three more important moments in their lives:

Hatch, Match, and Dispatch.

Which are Baptism, Marriage and Funerals.

Each time people come for the blessings of the Sacraments and the liturgy, I am reminded of how precious the moment is. In the moment, and for the moments of the rest of their lives.

Personal Reflection

Yesterday, I did a baptism for a beautiful little girl. Her mother, father, godparents beaming with joy. Each saw this as her special day. Indeed it was, to be baptized into the Lord. Yet, I reminded them they are all children of God. Each baptised into the Lord. You do this ‘for her’ and ‘with her’ and rejoice ‘in her’.

The Lord has done great things for us and holy is his name.

First Reading

In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her
and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh.

I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” She left Samuel there.

Responsorial

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Gospel Acclamation

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

Gospel

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