Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent
In this last week of Advent, we hear more about and from Mary. Today’s gospel reading (Luke 1: 46-56) is the beautiful Magnificat, Mary’s prayer (probably sung) in response to Elizabeth’s greeting shortly after learning that she would be the mother of the Messiah. It is a well-known, powerful hymn of praise that is made up of verses taken from the Psalms and Prophets.
Today’s Psalm (1 Samuel 2:1-10) is also a hymn of praise sung by a holy woman of God, Hannah. The first reading (1 Samuel 1: 24-28) leads us into her prayer as she dedicates her son, Samuel, to the Lord. Earlier in the chapter we learn that Hannah had been barren and poured out her heart to God requesting a son and promising to give him back to God if her prayers we answered. So, in today’s reading, Hannah is worshipping the Lord similarly to Mary.
Looking at both women’s prayers, there are three common themes: joy, faith, and understanding. Both Hannah and Mary’s prayer begin with rejoicing in the Lord, “My heart exults in the Lord…” and “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” They express their joy at God’s goodness and presence in their lives.
They also both display a confident faith in God and in how God has worked in their lives. Both women trusted in God and found strength in God. Hannah sings, “my horn is exalted in my God” (horn being a symbol of strength) and Mary sings, “He has shown the strength of his arm.” These women have faith in God’s power and strength.
And, finally, both women’s prayer shows an understanding of God’s concern for the poor, the hungry, and the needy. Hannah’s prayer proclaims how God will, “raise the needy from the dust; from the ash heap he lifts up the poor…” and Mary’s prayer proclaims, “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.” They understand God’s way.
What a wonderful example of holy, strong women of faith.
In these last few days of Advent, let us take some time to meditate on Mary’s role in the incarnation, her cooperation with God’s plan for our salvation. Try praying or singing the Magnificat, rather than simply reading it. And pray that like Hannah and Mary we too may be women and men of Joy, Faith, and Understanding this Christmas and throughout the year.
My soul rejoices in the Lord!
- Eileen Miller