Reading I:  Zec 2:14-17
“Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion!
 See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord…
 For he stirs forth from his holy dwelling.”

Responsorial Psalm: Judith 13:  18bcde, 19
“You are the highest honor of our race.
  Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God,
  Above all women on earth;
  And blessed by the Lord God,
  The creator of heaven and earth…”

Gospel:  Lk 1:26-38
“…Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you…
  Do not be afraid, Mary, 
  For you have found favor with God…
  Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
  May it be done to me according to your word…’”

Gospel: Lk 1:39-47
“…and Mary said:
  ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
   my spirit rejoices in God my savior.’”

I cite the above passages from the selections of readings for today to show the vibrating energy of praise existing in these readings.  Mary is praised for her “grace” and virtuous beauty.  Mary praises her Lord and God because God has given her all that she has and is – “grace.” 

It’s as if two mirrors are placed facing each other…each reflecting the other…and the reflection goes on, and on, and on…

The reflected rays are not contained in the mirrors but radiate outward to bathe those surrounding in their light.  

That’s it…that’s what this season of Advent is all about…
Waiting … listening … watching for Light to be born in us…and among us…

On December 25th the Christian tradition celebrates the “moment” the Light is born among us…to continue It’s radiation throughout all eternity.

Good and gracious God, help us pause today to reflect upon this Handmaid, named Mary, and the Light she holds.   Help us to be more ready to absorb and reflect the gift of Light this season.  

“Hail, Mary, full of grace…” (Help us be filled with grace and be a blessing to those who are in our worlds…our families, friends, colleagues.)  “…. and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.”