December 22, 2018

Dec. 22

December 22, 2018:  Saturday, 3rd week, Advent

See 14 connections with today?
Legend below
Listen

Song of Hannah settings (canticle)
Magnificat settings (gospel)
  • 1 Sm 1:24-28  Hannah presented Samuel at the temple:  “I prayed for this child, and you granted my request.  Now I give him to you; he'll be dedicated to the Lord all his life.”  She left Samuel there.
    Samuel dedicated by Hannah at the Temple/ Topham
  • 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd  "My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior."  “The bows of the mighty are broken, while the weak gain strength.  The well-fed go hungry, while the hungry are satisfied.  The barren wife bears sons, while the mother of many languishes.  The Lord puts to death and gives life, casts down and raises up, makes poor and rich, humbles and exalts, raises the needy and poor.”
  • Lk 1:46-56  Mary:  “I proclaim the Lord's greatness, for he looked upon his lowly servant.  All will call me blessed:  the Almighty has done great things for me.  He has mercy on those who fear him, showed strength, scattered the proud, cast down the mighty, lifted up the lowly, filled the hungry, sent away the rich.  He helped Israel, remembering his promise of mercy.”  She stayed with Elizabeth then returned home.
Reflect
  • Today's O Antiphon:  O Rex Gentium, O King of All Nations and Keystone of the Church; come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!  Reflection (thanks, Sr. Kathleen!)
  • Passionist:  In today's readings two mothers, who had been given missions to bear sons to make a difference to many, miraculous conceptions and births.  Hannah’s Samuel, an Israelite who avoided pagan customs, would anoint David king and so lead Israel to a kingdom.  Mary’s Jesus would bring the world salvation.  Both mothers helped their sons become the men they were, living with God, faithful to prayer, living with courage and wisdom, leading God’s People toward the fulfillment of God’s promises in them.  Remember your mother and her influence, pray for her, and remember your mission to be one with Jesus, living his values and sharing the Good News.
  • Creighton:  I worry about my kids because I love them and hope they'll lead fruitful, blessed lives loving the Lord.  So did Hannah, who dedicated her son to a life of serving God and was blessed.  And today’s gospel presents the glory shown Mary who would bring us Jesus.  Hannah and Mary's love is an example of how we love our children as they grow in, and with, the Lord.  My parents had that love for me, as Jesus does for us.  Be thankful for Jesus, his earthly parents' love, and his love for us.
  • Passionist:  The Magnificat is so important that it's in the Liturgy of the Hours every day.  Does my soul proclaim the Lord's greatness, my spirit rejoice in God?  Why don't I use my whole body and soul to proclaim the greatness of him who has done great things for me?  We can think of Mary’s words as just about the arrival of Jesus inside her.  Mary is the first to hold Jesus inside of her, but we too hold him inside when we receive Communion.  What an opportunity to acclaim his greatness!  Let us rejoice in his coming into ourselves to sustain us, then proclaim with Mary the Lord's greatness and rejoice in God our savior.
  • DailyScripture.net:  "Joyful expectation of the Messiah":  If you hunger for the Lord, the Lord will fill you with peace, joy, and justice.  As events lead to the birth of our Savior, prophecies, promises and prayers of the Old Testament become fulfilled.  Luke reveals the Holy Spirit's presence and power in Mary's life.  Elizabeth and Mary were filled with the Spirit and joyful anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promise of a Savior.  John the Baptist pointed to his coming and leapt for joy in the womb as the Spirit revealed his presence to him.  The Spirit enables us to know and experience God's presence and power; through the Spirit, God reigns in each of us.  Mary accepted her mission with faith and obedience, believing God would fulfill his word.  Her Magnificat echoes Hannah's song and proclaims the Lord's favor.  Hannah like Mary had been childless and God gave her a son, Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord's service.  Mary, too, would lose her son to service that would lead to the cross. This is a time to renew our faith and hope in God and his promises and to deepen our love for God and each other....
Dress legend
  • 'Bull' pin:  Hannah brought Samuel and a 3-year-old bull with her... (1st reading)
  • 'Wheat' pin:  "The well-fed hire themselves out for bread" (canticle); an ephah of flour... (1st reading)
  • 'Heart' clip:  "My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior" (canticle)
  • 'Horn' pin:  "My horn is exalted in my God" (canticle)
  • 'Car with mouth' pin:  I have swallowed up my enemies (canticle)
  • 'Musical notes with "joy"' pin:  I rejoice in my victory (canticle)
  • Dung-colored suspenders:  From the dung heap he lifts up the poor (canticle)
  • 'Boundless mercy' pin:  "He has mercy on every generation" (gospel)
  • 'Crowns' tie:  O King of Nations (O Antiphon)
  • 'Magnificat' pin:  Mary's Magnificat canticle (gospel)
  • 'Eyeball' pin:  The Lord has looked on his servant (gospel)
  • Purple shirt:  Skin of wine (1st reading); Advent season
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