Daily Readings - Fri Dec 22 2023

²⁴And after she had weaned him, she brought him with her, along with three calves, and three measures of flour, and a small bottle of wine, and she led him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. But the boy was still a young child²⁵And they immolated a calf, and they presented the boy to Eli²⁶And Hannah said: "I beg you, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord: I am that woman, who stood before you here, praying to the Lord²⁷I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted to me my petition, which I asked of him²⁸Because of this, I have also lent him to the Lord, for all the days when he shall be lent to the Lord." And they adored the Lord in that place. And Hannah prayed, and she said

Luke

Chapter 1

⁴⁶And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord⁴⁷And my spirit leaps for joy in God my Saviour⁴⁸For he has looked with favor on the humility of his handmaid. For behold, from this time, all generations shall call me blessed⁴⁹For he who is great has done great things for me, and holy is his name⁵⁰And his mercy is from generation to generations for those who fear him⁵¹He has accomplished powerful deeds with his arm. He has scattered the arrogant in the intentions of their heart⁵²He has deposed the powerful from their seat, and he has exalted the humble⁵³He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty⁵⁴He has taken up his servant Israel, mindful of his mercy⁵⁵just as he spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his offspring forever.⁵⁶Then Mary stayed with her for about three months. And she returned to her own house

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound acts of faith and devotion through the stories of Hannah and Mary. The first reading from 1 Samuel tells the story of Hannah, who, after years of barrenness, prays fervently for a child. When God blesses her with Samuel, she fulfills her vow by dedicating him to the Lord, presenting him to Eli at the temple in Shiloh. This act of surrender is a testament to her deep trust in God's plan, even in the face of personal struggle. Hannah's story is set in a time before Israel had kings, highlighting her pivotal role in the narrative of God's people, as Samuel would later become a key figure in Israel's history. The Gospel reading presents Mary's Magnificat, a beautiful hymn of praise and thanksgiving. Upon visiting her cousin Elizabeth, Mary acknowledges the greatness of God and the profound blessing of bearing Jesus. Her song reflects a deep humility and recognition of God's mercy, not just in her own life but across generations. The Magnificat is a celebration of God's justice and His faithfulness to Israel, emphasizing themes of humility, mercy, and the reversal of human fortunes. Both Hannah and Mary exemplify trust in God's providence and humility in their callings. Their stories, though separated by centuries, are united by themes of faith, surrender, and the recognition of God's sovereign plan. They teach us to trust in God's timing and to embrace our roles in His larger narrative, whether in times of joy or challenge. In our daily lives, we are called to mirror this faith and humility. Like Hannah, we may face struggles that test our faith, but her example encourages us to pray with persistence and trust. Like Mary, we are invited to say "yes" to God's will, even when it leads us into the unknown. Their stories remind us that our lives are part of a greater story, one of God's mercy and faithfulness. As we navigate our own journeys, may we cultivate the humility and trust that marked these two women, surrendering our lives and talents to God's service, knowing that His plan is always greater than our own.