Who Do You Glorify?

The readings for today remind me whom I should glorify.

In the first reading, Hannah did not forget to thank God for answering her prayers for a son. She dedicated Samuel for the Lord. The did not keep him to herself, she did not forget God when her prayers were answered. She glorified God by giving Him the one thing precious to her – her son.

In the gospel, Mary says it explicitly. After being called blessed by Elizabeth, Mary responded with her canticle. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. All honour and glory was given back to God, as it should be. She did not boast that she is special, that she is blessed, that she was carrying the Son of God. Rather, she gave back everything to God. She knew who she was and did not forget God’s part in everything.

As we prepare for Christmas, may we never forget whom to glorify, whom the season is all about. In celebrating Christmas, may we not forget that amidst all the gift-giving, the merrymaking, the parties and gatherings, Jesus is the one whose birthday we are celebrating. In celebrating his birthday, may we STILL give him glory by how we act, by what we say and what we do. Christmas is not just about having fun, giving gifts to family and friends, and relaxing, having a good time. This is about Christ and his great love for us. With all these parties, merrymaking, and gift giving, may we never forget to give to others who cannot give us back, may we remember the words of Jesus…

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:30)

 ¹² Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. ¹³ But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, ¹⁴ and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:12-14)

Right now, with what is happening in CDO and Iligan, we have all the opportunities to give back, to bring Christ to others and others to Christ. Let us respond to God’s call and bring the spirit of Christmas more alive, then we will glorify God even more.

God bless!