Daily Readings - Sun Dec 26 2021
1 Samuel
20Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.21And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.22But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.24And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.25And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.26And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.27For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:28Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
1 John
1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Luke
41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and living out God's will in our lives. In the first reading, Hannah dedicates her son Samuel to the Lord, fulfilling her promise to return him to God. This act of faith and gratitude highlights her deep trust in God's plan, despite the personal sacrifice it entails. Similarly, in the Gospel, Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the temple, where He is engaged in discussions with the teachers. Jesus' response, "I must be about my Father's business," underscores His dedication to His divine mission from a young age.
The second reading from 1 John bridges these narratives by emphasizing our identity as children of God and the commandments to believe in Jesus and love one another. This love and belief are not passive but active, guiding our actions and decisions. Just as Hannah and Mary trusted in God's plan, we are called to live out our faith with similar dedication and love.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to reflect on our own commitment to God. Are we dedicating our lives to His will, even when it requires sacrifice? Do we trust in His plan, even when the path is uncertain? Let us strive to live as children of God, filled with love and faith, and may our actions reflect His presence in our lives.