God Humbles and Exalts

December 22, 2022

From today’s reading…

The full fed are hiring themselves out for bread but the hungry need labour no more; the barren woman bears sevenfold but the mother of many is left desolate.” 1 Samuel 2:5

In today’s Gospel from Luke 1, Mary references the prayer of Hannah for her son, Samuel, who was a gift to her from God—as are all children—after being barren for many years—she was even taunted by her husband’s other wife, Peninnah, who had given children to Elkanah.

Even though Elkanah “loved Hannah more” (1 Samuel 1:5), Hannah remained despondent over her inability to conceive and prayed to God for a son. When Hannah was given Samuel by God, she gave him back to God.

In a similar yet different story, Mary did not ask for a son, let alone to be the Mother of God, but she accepted God’s plan for her and also gave her son back to God.

Being a devout Jew, Mary knew of Hannah and Samuel, as we see in Luke 1:52, as she states, “He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly,” which echoes today’s opening verse above.

Hannah was raised up.

Mary was raised up.

Jesus was raised up in many forms and fashions, some quite painful! Many arrogant princes have been brought to ruin, and all who have been humbled have a special place in the heart of God, so…

Stay the course.Keep the faith.Endure.

Market like you mean it. Now go sell something.