Even now, Hope is alive

On this last Saturday of Advent, our anticipation rises to a near crescendo level. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, prefigures Mary (1 Samuel 1:24-28, 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd) in praising God's goodness and majesty. Now, with infinitely greater import, Mary acknowledges God's overwhelming generosity toward her: she is to become the mother of the Christ, the Anointed One; the Son of God. (Luke 1:46-56)

Such a blessing is not only a "great thing" for Mary, it reflects the transcendent and mysterious essence of God ("holy is His name").

As we are called to model our lives after our Blessed Mother, let us acknowledge just a few of the great things that God has done for us:

-Before the world began, God chose us in Him to be holy and blameless in His sight. (Ephesians 1:4)

-God sent His only begotten Son to save and redeem us. (John 3:16)

-God offers us a share in His divine life for all eternity. (John 17:2)

Even here and now in this life, despite the hardships, we realize upon reflection that we have been given much that calls for heartfelt gratitude.

Indeed, He who is mighty has done great things for us, and holy is His name.

Throughout our lives, we face so many challenges and tough times and occasionally we forget who we are, our strengths, our fortunes, focusing on the negativities in our lives. It is hard to remind ourselves that God is with us when, all around people are struggling, especially in light of the recent massacre of innocent children in Connecticut. Yet He graciously reminds us that no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, no man or matter can conquer the love that He is graciously given to us at no charge! We are forever in His kindness and generosity, and there is nothing we can ever do to lose that. We are His and His alone.

So today, do not fear of those challenges and tribulations that lie before you. Instead, hold on to God and let Him clear the path for you. Blessed be your day.