We are approaching the end of the season of Advent and are excited to think of Christmas this weekend. I believe that miracles are happening when each day, we commit ourselves to reflect on each reading. There are inspiring events and moments we find useful to take life seriously.
Today’s reading from the Book of Samuel narrates to us the life story about Hannah. She was barren for many years. She had been ashamed of her condition, not receiving the blessing of motherhood from God. She was insulted by the other wife of her husband because she was given a child. She was envious and yet unshakeable in her faith. The prophet Eli saw Hannah praying consciously for the intention to bear a child. She made a promise to God that if her prayers were granted to have a child, she would give that child back to God. He found her praying in the temple of Shiloh, because the temple of Jerusalem had not yet been recovered back to the hands of the chosen people.
I remember my mother, +Rita, telling me that during her time, the first-born male child must be offered to God. She, indeed, was true to her desire. My eldest brother became a priest. I totally admire women who pray to God for blessings, to protect their child inside their womb, rather than being ashamed of being pregnant and choosing for their child to be aborted. Every child is God’s creation and, therefore, couples must make sacrifices in any way and be grateful. Indeed, Hannah did make a sacrifice, giving Samuel to Eli so that Samuel would be dedicated to the Lord and trained as a priest.
Just imagine Hannah returning to the temple after she got her wish thru the intervention of God. Samuel was her only child, but she was brave to offer him at the temple, with her unwavering faith, to God who did not fail her at all. She gave Samuel over to Eli. As any normal mother with her emotions and heavy heart, Hannah leaves the temple with joy being worthy of God’s blessings and keeping her promise, for she was devoted in faith.
In the gospel, another woman like Hannah is revealed to us. This devout woman is the Blessed Mother Mary. Mary, a young woman, heeds the call of God to be the mother of the Savior. She was chosen for this honor from her conception.
Today, like Mary, we approach the knowledge of love and mercy. In her response, she sang the “Magnificat” in praise and thanksgiving that God keeps His promise to save humanity from sins and death.
As we approach the end of Advent to prepare for Christmas, we thank God for telling us the wonders of these two extraordinary women who taught us what it is to have deep faith.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, osa
