Gospel: December 22, 2025
December 22, 2025 (Monday)
4th Week of Advent
Psalter: Week 4 / (Violet)
1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28
When the child was weaned, Hannah took him with her along with a 3-year-old bull, a measure of flour and a flask of wine, and she brought him to the Lord’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 the Lord. I asked for this child and the Lord granted me the favor I begged of him. I think the Lord is now asking for this child. As long as he lives, he belongs to the Lord.” And they worshiped the Lord there.
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 to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months, and then returned home.
Reflection:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”
Today’s readings present a contrast between Hannah in the Old Testament and Mary in the New Testament. Hannah is barren and has pleaded with the Lord for a son. Now she has given birth to son, Samuel, and she is about to make a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Immediately after this passage, Hannah makes her great song of praise, which is reflected in the Magnificat of Mary, who also praises God for his greatness and his mercy. Samuel means “God has heard.” Jesus means “God saves.” Both Hannah and Mary symbolize the voices of all the humble and the lowly. Throughout the generations God has heard the voice of the lowly and the downcast, and he has acted according to his providence. Now in these latter times, in our days, he has responded definitively through his Son (cf. Heb 1:2). God has heard the groaning of his people and he is coming to save and console the world by sending his Son. It’s an action whose effects will touch the whole of history. That’s why Mary talks of a mercy that has happened in her, but which extends from age to age. With Mary we too praise the Lord.
