Mass Readings for December 22, 2023

1 Samuel 1:24-28
1 Samuel 2:1,4-8
Luke 1:46-56

1 Samuel 1:24-28
(24) When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, and one ephah of meal, and a bottle of wine, and brought him to Yahweh’s house in Shiloh. The child was young. (25) They killed the bull, and brought the child to Eli. (26) She said, “Oh, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to Yahweh. (27) I prayed for this child; and Yahweh has given me my petition which I asked of him. (28) Therefore I have also given him to Yahweh. As long as he lives he is given to Yahweh.” He worshiped Yahweh there.

1 Samuel 2:1,4-8
(1) Hannah prayed, and said: “My heart exults in Yahweh! My horn is exalted in Yahweh. My mouth is enlarged over my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. (4) “The bows of the mighty men are broken. Those who stumbled are armed with strength. (5) Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread. Those who were hungry are satisfied. Yes, the barren has borne seven. She who has many children languishes. (6) “Yahweh kills, and makes alive. He brings down to Sheol, and brings up. (7) Yahweh makes poor, and makes rich. He brings low, he also lifts up. (8) He raises up the poor out of the dust. He lifts up the needy from the dunghill, To make them sit with princes, and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are Yahweh’s. He has set the world on them.

Luke 1:46-56
(46) Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord. (47) My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, (48) for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. (49) For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. (50) His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him. (51) He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. (52) He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly. (53) He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty. (54) He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy, (55) As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.” (56) Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.