Friday, 22 December 2023. Read 1 Samuel 1:24-28, 1 Sam. 2:1,4-8, Luke 1:46-56
“For this child, I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore, I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:27-28)
Life is full of ups and downs. However, sometimes we encounter very painful experiences. For instance, Hannah endured constant humiliation and insult from her rival, Peninah, due to her childlessness. Elkanah did his best to prove his love for Hannah by giving her double portions at the yearly sacrifice, but Peninnah was jealous of Hannah.
The tongue is one of the smallest body organs but is dangerous if improperly handled. Sometimes, insults hurt more than physical injuries. Amid this storm, Hannah cried out her heart to God in prayer. She did not just pray; she made a vow to God that if she was blessed with a child, she would offer him as a Nazirite to the service of God.
Eli thought Hannah was drunk when he saw Hannah’s red eyes. Hannah explained her pain, and she believed Eli’s word when he assured her of God’s blessing the following year. When God heard Hannah’s prayer, she did not forget her vow. Our first reading today tells us how Hannah returned to the temple with her son, Samuel, to fulfil her vow. Hannah’s thanksgiving was the fulfilment of her vow.
Our responsorial psalm today, like Mary’s song of thanksgiving in today’s Gospel passage, contains Hannah’s prayer of thanks to God for answering her prayer. In it, Hannah acknowledged that God favours the humble and brings down the proud: “Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. (1 Samuel 2:5).
Dear friends, let us examine our hearts. Are there promises you made to God when things were rough for you, yet long after God heard your prayer, you refused to fulfil your part? Do you even remember God when things are going well for you? Are you currently going through a storm? Don’t worry; storms do not last forever. Keep telling yourself, “This too shall pass.” Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may my soul continue to sing your praises. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (22 December. Bible Study: 1 Samuel 1:24-28, 1 Samuel 2:1,4-8, Luke 1:46-56).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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