The Lord casts the mighty from their thrones

1 Sam. 1:24-28, Lk. 1:46-56. After begging God for a child and being finally blessed with the birth of Samuel, the grateful Hannah hopes that her son will serve the Lord all his days. Hannah's songs of praise in today's first reading is a personal and devout prayer from the heart: “I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.” Giving of our best to God is the highest purpose of life and it can be pursued in many and various ways. The most perfect expression of Mary’s dedicated heart is also found in today’s Gospel lovely hymn of praise, the Magnificat. Here we see her rejoicing in the God who has filled the hungry with good things and raises up the lowly.

Whoever devotes all his thoughts to the praise and service of the Lord, proclaims God’s greatness. Observance of God’s commands shows that we have God’s power and greatness always at heart. Our spirit rejoices in God the Saviour and delights in the presence of our Creator who gives us hope for eternal salvation. This is uniquely so for Mary, whom we revere as Mother of God. Chosen for this world-changing maternity, she glowed with love for the son she so gladly conceived. Above all other saints, she could totally rejoice in Jesus, trusting that the Saviour sent from above would be born of her body, a privelege for which she forever thanked God for. Mary attributes nothing to her merits but refers all to the gift of one who fills with greatness and strength the small and the weak who believe in Him. In her joyful prayer, Mary acknowledges the great things that God has done for her. At Christmas we also acknowledge the great things that God has done for us by sending His Son into the world. Mary’s prayer suggests that it is above all the lowly and the hungry who will experience God’s greatness and generosity.

May the Lord teach us to use our gifts for others and always testify to the greatness and generosity of God! Amen!! Be safe and have a wonderful day!!!