WEDNESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ADVENT DECEMBER 22, 2021

MASS READINGS

A Gospel according to Lk 1:46-56

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.

REFLECTION

"He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty."

Just a few blocks away we found the house.

It was hard to believe someone lived there; a grandmother raising both her child and a grandchild. The house had broken windows with cloth covering the holes, The trash had accumulated on the porch along with a broken high chair and stroller.

No one was home. So back to the car went the food baskets and toys. Perhaps another day the Missionaries of Charity would come and visit. Another day to share and show the poor the Face of Christ.

In the eyes of the world this woman and her children are of no consequence. Yet in the eyes of God that family is as equal as the richest man of the world.

The poor, the marginalized, the forgotten, the forsaken and the sinful have a special place in the heart of Jesus.

In her beautiful song of joy, Mary acknowledges what God has done for her- someone, whom no one knew, was to be the Mother of the Messiah. Mary gives thanks and praise and sets out first in prayer recognizing what God has given her.

Do we recognize and give thanks for the gifts given to us? Do we share them with others? Do we use them for others? Are we following our model, Our Mother Mary?

As Christmas fast approaches, we will soon put away the Christmas decorations and scratch off another year and put away presents we really had no need for. May the Christmas spirit-The Lord Almighty -living in us continue to bring joy and peace throughout the year.

All we need to do is say, “Yes” and share ourselves with others.

God bless you.