The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122217.cfm)
reminds me that I should not forget God when he gives me what I pray
for.
When we are praying for
something, it is not unusual to bargain. We promise God something. We tell God
we will do something. We say a lot in the hopes of receiving what we pray for.
We say a lot and hope it will help us get our prayers. However, when we get
what we pray for, we do not always keep our word. Today, I am reminded that we
should.
In the first reading, Hannah
did not forget to thank God for answering her prayers for a son. She did not
forget, and She eventually dedicated Samuel for the Lord. She 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. And she served God by visiting and serving Elizabeth despite
her situation. 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.
When God hears our prayers and
this season, may we never forget Him.
Father God,
Thank you for
today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to know
more about you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for forgetting you.
Sorry for ignoring you when things are well. And sorry for forgetting that this
season is all about you. Help me live right. Help me live for you. Help me
prepare for you. May I never forget you, and may I live in a way pleasing to
and glorifying you always. Amen.
Blessed
day!
In
Christ,
-g-
Ps
See
related reflection:
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December 22, 2017
Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Lectionary: 198
Reading 11 SM 1:24-28
In those days,
Hannah brought Samuel with her,
along with a three-year-old bull,
an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine,
and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh.
After the boy's father had sacrificed the young bull,
Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said:
"Pardon, my lord!
As you live, my lord,
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.
Hannah brought Samuel with her,
along with a three-year-old bull,
an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine,
and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh.
After the boy's father had sacrificed the young bull,
Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said:
"Pardon, my lord!
As you live, my lord,
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 Psalm1 SAMUEL 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8ABCD
R. (see 1a) My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"My heart exults in the LORD,
my horn is exalted in my God.
I have swallowed up my enemies;
I rejoice in my victory."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the tottering gird on strength.
The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,
while the hungry batten on spoil.
The barren wife bears seven sons,
while the mother of many languishes."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"The LORD puts to death and gives life;
he casts down to the nether world;
he raises up again.
The LORD makes poor and makes rich,
he humbles, he also exalts."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"He raises the needy from the dust;
from the dung heap he lifts up the poor,
To seat them with nobles
and make a glorious throne their heritage."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"My heart exults in the LORD,
my horn is exalted in my God.
I have swallowed up my enemies;
I rejoice in my victory."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the tottering gird on strength.
The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,
while the hungry batten on spoil.
The barren wife bears seven sons,
while the mother of many languishes."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"The LORD puts to death and gives life;
he casts down to the nether world;
he raises up again.
The LORD makes poor and makes rich,
he humbles, he also exalts."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
"He raises the needy from the dust;
from the dung heap he lifts up the poor,
To seat them with nobles
and make a glorious throne their heritage."
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
"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."
Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months
and then returned to her home.
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Lk1:46-56
Mary said:"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."
Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months
and then returned to her home.
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