Daily Readings - Fri Dec 22 2023
1 Samuel
24After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh.25When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli,26and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.27I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.28So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.
Luke
46And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,49for the Mighty One has done great things for me--holy is his name.50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful55to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
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.