＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

１Samuel 1:24-28

When the child was weaned,

Hannah took him with her along with a three-year-old bull, a measure of flour and a flask of wine, and she brought him to Yahweh’s house at Shiloh. The child was still young.

After they had slain the bull, they brought the child to Eli. Hannah exclaimed: “Oh, my lord, look! I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to Yahweh.

I asked for this child and Yahweh granted me the favor I begged of him. I think Yahweh is now asking for this child. As long as he lives, he belongs to Yahweh.” And they worshiped Yahweh there .

 

1Sm 2:4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 1:46-56

And Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God my savior!

He has looked upon his servant in her lowliness, and people forever will call me blessed.

The Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is his Name! From age to age

his mercy extends to those who live in his presence.

He has acted with power and done wonders, and scattered the proud with their plans.

 He has put down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up those who are downtrodden.

 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

 He held out his hand to Israel, his servant, for he remembered his mercy,  even as he promised our fathers,

to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

 Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home.

 

Gospel Reflection：

Behold the king of all Nations is coming! And the Queen of all Nations proclaims the greatness of the Lord! Where there is the child king there also is the Queen Mother! He reigns with his Mother!

It cannot be otherwise for the new dawn was only possible because the woman chosen by God from eternity said her “Fiat!” Her short but powerful yes made the Sun rise from the East so that the “Radix Jesse” may sprout the shoot from whom the king of Israel can be born.

Mary announces the good news to Wlizabeth with her Magnificat that not only praises the faithfulness of God to his promises but also announces the kingship of her Son, the king of the Nations.

It will be kingship of the Mighty and Holy One marked by mercy and compassion for the lowly and the downtrodden. His will be a kingship that will be concerned with the poor, satisfy the hungry and the thirsty, and establish justice. His will be a kingsip that will bring all peoples together. His will be a kingship that will endure forever!