Daily Readings - Sat Dec 22 2018
1 Samuel
24And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. And the child was young.25Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli.26And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD.27For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him.28Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD."And he worshiped the LORD there.
Luke
46And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;49for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.50And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.51He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;52he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;53he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away.54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,55as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever."56And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound acts of faith and dedication. The first reading from 1 Samuel tells the story of Hannah, who, after years of infertility, prays fervently for a child, promising to dedicate him to the Lord. When her prayer is answered, she brings her young son Samuel to the temple, along with offerings, and formally dedicates him to God’s service. This act is a beautiful expression of gratitude and trust in God’s plan. Hannah’s surrender of her child to the Lord is not just a fulfillment of a vow but a testament to her deep faith and humility.
The Gospel reading presents Mary’s Magnificat, a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. Upon visiting her cousin Elizabeth, Mary breaks into a song that reflects her complete surrender to God’s will. She rejoices in the Lord’s favor and acknowledges the greatness of what He has done for her. The Magnificat is not just a personal expression of joy; it is a theological reflection on God’s mercy, justice, and faithfulness throughout history. Mary’s song captures the essence of humility and trust in divine providence, recognizing that her role in God’s plan is a gift and a privilege.
Both readings highlight the theme of surrender and trust in God. Hannah and Mary, though in different circumstances, model for us what it means to place our lives and our deepest desires into God’s hands. Their stories remind us that true faith is not about holding on to what we have but about letting go and trusting that God’s plan is greater than our own. In our daily lives, we are called to imitate this humility and trust. Whether it is through prayer, service, or simply living out our faith in everyday moments, we are invited to surrender our fears, doubts, and anxieties to the Lord, knowing that He is always at work in our lives.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: What is it that we need to surrender to God today? Is it a fear, a worry, or a desire? Like Hannah and Mary, may we learn to trust in God’s providence and to see His hand at work in our lives. Let us pray for the grace to live with humility and faith, knowing that when we place our lives in God’s hands, He can do great things through us.