22 December 2015 - he has looked with favor

[ Today's Readings ]

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.

Thanksgiving helps to free us to serve God. We realize that God can and does meet our needs. We learn that it isn't all about who is mighty and who is tottering. It isn't about who is pour and who is rich.

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.

Thanksgiving teaches us to trust in the God who is worthy of our trust. It teaches us that since he got us through what we went through he can get us through what we're going through.

Mary is no exception. She sees God's faithfulness in the life of Elizabeth. She has a habit of treasuring the things God does in her heart, of keeping them there, reflecting on them, and drawing strength from them. This is why she is able to unleash a hymn of praise like the world has never heard before or since. More than anyone else she realizes and celebrates what God does for her.

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.

We can learn from Mary. She wants to teach us to appreciate what God does in our lives so that we can trust him. She wants us to believe that the promise of the LORD will be fulfilled in us as it was in her. At this chaotic time of the year we need her to help us to treasure what God does in our hearts. When we do so we find the strength to trust him. Our hearts are opened to praise him.

My heart exults in the LORD,
my horn is exalted in my God.
I have swallowed up my enemies;
I rejoice in my victory.

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:

come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!