A WORD FOR TODAY 22 DECEMBER 2020

A WORD FOR TODAY

GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR YOU

_“And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;  for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name."(Luke 1:46-49)_

_*Gratitude is an attitude and anyone who wish to follow God must have it and nurture it always. To be grateful is to be concsious of benefits and privilege received and to be thankful about them. The readings of today gives us an insight into what it means to have a spirit and attitude of gratitude in us.*_

_In the first reading we see Hannah return to the temple at Shiloh with some gifts to give thanks to God for the gift of Samuel her son who the Lord gave to her when she prayed. She made a promise to give him back to the Lord so that he will serve Him and she came to fulfil her promise to the Lord. She did not forget the one who answered her in her time of need and that should be our attitude on a daily basis. She sang the song of thanksgiving to appreciate God in the responsorial psalm. Her attitude of gratitude brought more blessings to her because she gave birth to other children._

_*God is constantly blessing us and answering our prayers and we must be ready to thank Him and show appreciation for the blessings received. He gives us life, healing, promotion, joy, upliftment, forgiveness, mercy, inspiration, favour and so much more. Therefore, you have no reason to be ungrateful to God or to anyone who has done something good to you, no matter how little their kindness to you is, you must learn to be grateful and show appreciation for whatever good received.*_

_A grateful heart will always receive blessings from the Lord, because gratefulness opens doors for more blessings. When you appreciate people for the good they have done to you, you show that you have a good heart and that will spur them to do more for you in the future._

_*The song of the magnificat which our Mother Mary sang as we see in the gospel reading is something that we must learn from. She gave thanks to God for finding her worthy to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a privilege that is unmerited and she thanked the Lord for that. She was blessed above all women on earth and she did not take it for granted, but was humble to say thank you to the Lord.*_

_We must learn to be grateful people. Attitude of gratitude should always be paramount in what we do. Never, refuse to say thank you for favours received both from God and man. God has done so much for us and if you are not showing appreciation to Him through your words and actions, then you are being wicked and ungrateful. The season of Christmas is a time to say thank you and appreciate God and all those who have done something for you. Show appreciation for favours received and more will come your way. Show appreciation by giving something to the poor and needy, by supporting the work of God in your parish community and any good cause that will benefit the less privileged around you and God will continue to bless you so that you will have the capacity to do so much more in the future._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a beautiful day. May God's grace help you to be grateful and may your attitude of gratitude be a catalyst for more blessings to come to you. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

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

*Watch-Word:* My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour

_*Gratitude can only come from a person with a good heart. Make your heart to be good and your ability to be thankful will flow seamlessly.*_

(Tuesday of the Fourth week of Advent. Cycle B)