Daily Readings - Fri Dec 22 2023
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 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.