Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
December 22, 2021
Daily Reading from the USCCB: 1 Samuel 2: 1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
Today’s Responsorial Psalm is a hymn attributed to Hannah, mother of Samuel, last of the judges of Israel. Hannah gives thanks to God because she has borne a son despite her previous sterility. She praises God as helper of the weak who alone is the source of true strength. The Lord is the giver of life who makes the poor rich, who raises up the lowly, who makes the needy glorious.
This canticle has many points of resemblance to Mary’s Magnificat, the song of praise that she sang when she made contact with her cousin Elizabeth.
As we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth, the Church invites us to give thanks for God’s intervention in the affairs of humanity, to take joy in the Lord.
