FIRST READING
Hannah gives thanks for the birth of Samuel
A reading from the first Book of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:24-2b)
In those days: Hannah took Samuel up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine; and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was young. Then they slew the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me my petition which I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And they worshipped the Lord there.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 1 Samuel2: 1.4-5.6-7.8abcd (R. see 1a)
R/. My heart exults in the Lord, my Saviour.
My heart exults in the Lord;
My strength is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation. R.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven,
But she who has many children is forlorn. R.
The Lord kills and brings to life;
He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low, he also exalts. R.
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the dung heap,
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honour. R.
ALLELUIA
Alleluia. Come, O King of the nations and cornerstone of the Church! Come and save man, whom you formed from the clay of the earth. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“He who is mighty has done great things for me.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 1l:46-56)
At that time: Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.
For behold; henceforth all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on those who fear him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm,
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,
He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree;
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich he has sent empty away.
He has helped his servant Israel,
In remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his posterity for ever.”
And Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months, and returned to her home.
The Gospel of the Lord
Today’s Reflection D
o you think that God has done any great thing for you? Have you thought of giving something to him in appreciation? Learn something from Hannah and Mary today, and see for yourself how you cannot outdo God in generosity! Hannah gave Samuel her only son back to God and became a mother of more children. for her part, Mary gave God her time in service to the needy and all generations calls her blessed. What have you given back to God for your life? It is not late yet to begin – and could start now. Do not look for him in faraway places. He is right beside you in the faces of the poor and the less privileged. As you do that, may you also have the cause to sing out in praise like Hannah and Mary! Amen.