Singing Gratitude

December 22, 2025 Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent 
Daily Readings: 1 Samuel 1:24-28; Luke 1: 46-56

Children of God: Several years after World War II, in 1958, there was a dream of having a continental Catholic radio station in Asia. That dream was brought to an assembly of 100 bishops across Asia and Australia held at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. At that time, with communism spreading across the continent, the Philippines became the strategic location for such a mission. After years of preparation, the first overseas broadcast of Radio Veritas was made on April 11, 1969, through shortwave technology. Who would have thought that this mission born from faith and vision would still be alive today, now 56 years old and still counting? It is humbling to see what God can do when people say yes to His call. Truly, there are many things to thank God for.

In the gospel of Luke, Mary sings her beautiful hymn of thanksgiving known as the Magnificat. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she proclaims, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked upon the lowliness of His servant” (Luke 1:46–48). Mary recognizes that all blessings come from God. Though chosen to be the Mother of the Savior, she remains humble, giving all glory to Him. Her song is not just personal gratitude—it is a declaration that God’s mercy and justice extend to all generations.

Mary teaches us that gratitude and humility go hand in hand. When we acknowledge that everything we have (our life, talents, and achievements) comes from God, our hearts are filled with thankfulness instead of pride. Gratitude opens our eyes to see God’s grace even in small blessings, and humility reminds us that we are instruments, not the source, of His goodness. Mary’s joy springs from her awareness that she is part of God’s plan, not the center of it.

Just like the story of Radio Veritas, which began as a humble dream and became a channel of faith across Asia, our lives too can become instruments of God’s work when rooted in gratitude and humility. When we thank God for what He has done and remain humble about what He is yet to do, He continues to bless our mission and multiply our efforts beyond what we can imagine.

Children of God: Let us follow the example of Mary, whose grateful and humble heart magnified the Lord. May we always remember that every success and every joy in life is God’s gift. Let us sing our own Magnificat, not only with our lips but with our lives—by living each day in thanksgiving and service.