As a mother, today's first reading touched me. I visualized Hannah, a mother, hoping and praying that her son would "be dedicated to the Lord." As parents, we bring our children to our Christian communities and dedicate them at baptism. We are hopeful that our children will accept the gift of faith, their baptism, and to feel the presence of God in their lives. While Hannah left her son Samuel at the Temple, in today's world we live side-by-side with our children and serve as witnesses to their growth and development of their personal relationship with God.

The response to the Psalm, "My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior" stirs a joyful shout within me, proclaiming my faith/my belief that I do feel confident and secure knowing that our Lord is a part of my life experiences. "I have swallowed up my enemies rejoice in my victory" brings to mind the saying, "With God all things are possible." When I read those lines I thought of my shortcomings and, with God's help, my ability to over-come these shortcomings in my life. I have seen the power of God in over-coming my worries, uncertainties, and temptations and have complete confidence that God will continue to be with me in overcoming these enemies in my life!

Mary tells us in the Gospel, " My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior." I feel light-hearted and content as "my spirit rejoices" in my acceptance of the gift of faith; putting my trust in God to direct me, to protect me, and for giving me challenges and opportunities to grow in relationship with God.

The Gospel reminds me of my need to remain humble while always trying to do my best. When I remain thankful for all of my life experiences I find that I am more open to those new challenges and opportunities that are coming my way. "He has come to the help of His servant Israel" and God continues to come to me in His own way. I look forward to finding God in the new experiences of this Holiday season and into the New Year.