22 December 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections
NOTE: Please click the Subscribe key on YouTube and press the black notification bell to receive the daily reflections. Or, open in YouTube for easy access. View and Like. Thank you.
TOPIC: IS YOUR “YES” TO GOD A RESOUNDING ONE?
Show More
First Reading: First Samuel 1: 24-28
Responsorial Psalm: First Samuel 2: 1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
Gospel: Luke 1: 46-56
In the opening words of today’s Gospel reading, Mary proclaims the goodness and greatness of God. Despite the highly unusual circumstances of her call to be the mother of Jesus, Mary rejoices and proclaims that God has looked upon her with great favor. She is not overwhelmed by fear or panic. Mary’s immediate and heartfelt response to God’s call makes it clear that Mary had a deep, personal relationship with God. She must have been somewhat confused by this call, yet Mary trusted the God who called her. Mary believed that God would guide her and grace her. While Mary was very young when God called her, she had a depth of faith and trust in God that many people never develop.
Mary’s Magnificat is indeed a wonderful prayer of praise and worship. It is a prayer of hope and gratitude as Mary praises God, places her trust in Him, and commits herself to God’s plan for her future. The God of the Magnificat is a God who is on the side of the poor, the oppressed, the hungry and the lowly and this is the God that Jesus came to reveal.
This is the 1337th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.
[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Jess Ferrer, Head of Migrants Program, as he brings us today's reflection.
All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]
