Daily Readings - Thu Dec 22 2022
1 Samuel
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.
Luke
46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.50And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.51He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.52He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.54He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;55As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.56And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
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.