[Salvation]

Friday, December 22
Friday of the Third Week of Advent

The Song after Silence

The Magnificat of the Virgin Mary may have been the first words uttered by Mary after a silence that possessed her soul following the annunciation. She made a hard journey to her cousin, Elizabeth, in haste, as the Gospel says, and we can surmise from the burst of these beautiful words from her lips that the spirit of this prayer accompanied that long dusty journey. The Magnificat is indeed stunning in its beauty, like Mary herself, so much so that the whole Church repeats it at every evening vespers, allowing us to gaze inward at the heart of our Mother. Above all we can be moved by the sense of humble awe at God’s favor that filled Mary. We ought to let our Virgin Mother teach us to make this prayer our own, beginning with the opening verse: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked upon his lowly servant.” How merciful God is, and how privileged we are to be invited to draw close to him, even in our lowliness. Christmas is a mere three days away. Let us spend some of these hours in companionship with Mary in her humble silence, knowing her love for us and her desire that we turn with great open-hearted desire toward her newborn Son on Christmas morning.

Reflection based on Luke 1:46-56
Father Donald Haggerty

Loving Father, despite my lowliness, let the favor of my desire honor you and prepare me for your Son’s birth.

[Salvation]

	December 23 Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, He is coming, says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:1) Reflection For children, these last days of waiting are probably the hardest. The goal is in sight now, but it is still far enough away to make the wait seem endless. When we are grown, waiting for Christmas is not a major problem. Nevertheless, as the day approaches even grownups feel the urgency in the air. As we anticipate the celebration of Christmas, let us look around us. Are those around us anticipating joy and happiness or loneliness and depression? Advent Action Find someone who is not anticipating the holiday with joy and attempt to brighten their outlook. Prayer O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appears.