Daily Readings - Thu Dec 22 2022
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, each highlighting the themes of trust, humility, and surrender to God's will.
First, in 1 Samuel, we meet Hannah, a woman 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. This act of dedication is not just a religious ritual but a deep expression of her faith and gratitude. Hannah's story teaches us about the power of persistent prayer and the importance of keeping our promises to God. Her trust in God's plan, even in the face of personal difficulty, is a testament to her unwavering faith.
In the Gospel of Luke, we hear Mary's Magnificat, a beautiful hymn of praise that flows from her heart as she visits her cousin Elizabeth. Mary's song is a celebration of God's favor and mercy. She recognizes the profound role she is called to play in God's plan of salvation, yet she remains humble and trusting. Her willingness to surrender to God's will, despite the challenges it would bring, is a model of humility and obedience. Mary's example encourages us to embrace our own roles in God's plan with joy and trust.
Both Hannah and Mary teach us valuable lessons about living a life of faith. Their stories remind us to trust in God's providence, even when the path is uncertain. They show us that true faith leads to humble service and a willingness to surrender our lives to God's will. As we reflect on their examples, let us ask ourselves: Do we trust God enough to surrender our lives and our plans to Him? Do we approach life with the humility and gratitude that Hannah and Mary exemplify? May their faith inspire us to live each day with greater trust and devotion to God.