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1 Samuel 1:24-28
1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8ABCD
Luke 1:46-56
Summary
In the first reading today we hear of Hannah presenting the boy Samuel to the
Lord at the sanctuary of Shiloh; “he shall be dedicated to the Lord as long as he
lives.” In the responsorial psalm we hear Hannah’s poetry about the gift of being
a servant of the Lord. Today’s gospel we hear the exquisite poetry of Mary sing-
ing her magnificat, praising God for looking upon his servant in her lowliness.
Reflection
These readings express the joy experienced by these women whose yes was
celebrated. Both Hannah’s song and Mary’s magnificat says nothing about the
birth of a child marked for greatness but rather exult an experience common to
everyone. Each person at key moments in life is called by God, from death to
life, from life to death. These fierce, demanding moments cannot be dodged,
once they appear before us. Although the experience is common in everyone’s
life, the way that Hannah and Mary responded is highly unique. These women
prepare us for Christmas with the transition from darkness to light and from death
to life. These women have unusual strength of character. Both women focus on
the greatness to come after them.
Mary, in the most beautiful magnificat, proclaims the greatness of God and she
pronounces God’s judgment on those who have oppressed the poor and ignored
their needs. Hannah a woman thought to be barren was given good things.
Hannah may be a metaphor for the empty being filled.
Some years ago, I was preparing for Christmas
and I spent way too much money on my chil-
dren. Feeling uneasy about the number and ex-
pense of the gifts, I decided to adopt a family
from our Giving Bank. Wow, was that an ex-
perience! I was given a family, of five. I bought