December 22   (from the book: Where is the Child? by Fr. R. Marcos (Makati: St Pauls);  pls responsibly acknowledge source when using publicly)   fr tam nguyen’s photo   First Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 [In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her,] along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the house of the Lord in Shiloh. After they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the child to Eli. Then Hannah spoke up: “Excuse me, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here near you, praying to the Lord.  I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted my request.  Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.” Then they worshiped there before the Lord. A. Short Background on the First Reading 1. At this time in Israel’s consciousness, women were not treated at par with the men. A woman was only worth the children she brings into the world. Hannah’s husband Helkanah had a second wife, Peninah. Peninah has borne her husband several children. Thus, one can just imagine the joy of Helkanah who is once again a father in his wife Hannah. But more surpassing is the gladness in Hannah’s heart. The Lord has removed her shame of being fruitless. The Lord has given her the joy of being a mother, and in this sense, made of her a valuable human being, a person of worth. 2. In families like that of Hannah and her husband, the Lord comes and chooses his servants. Here it is shown that God is the one who gives life. He is the source of hope for the hopeless. Parallel to this story would be the birth of Isaac and John the Baptist. In the offering of the couple, the husband performs the sacrifice because he is the priest of the family and therefore authorized to bring the gifts to God.  It would be only in a later period that a priestly clan would be tasked with performing the rites related to worship. B. Reflections on the First Reading Reflection 1: Gift for God If someone gives you a gift, will you return it to him? Maybe not, because now that it is given to you, you own it, and you want to keep it.  In the First Reading, it may seem at first that a pious woman is performing a routine sacrifice at the temple and with her husband there present to support her. But no, something more serious is happening, since the offering is none other than their own son, their only child, God’s greatest gift to this couple’s family! Among other offerings of animals and produce, the centerpiece is the son. Hannah and her husband had every right to be thankful to the Lord. From being a barren woman, Hannah this time passed into fertility. From being likened to the dead, she blossomed into a life-giver.  God filled her life with hope.  God filled her heart with joy.  Her husband rejoiced in her as well. Hannah had every right to enjoy the fruit of her fecundity.  This is her son, and what mother does not aspire of spending her life seeing her child grow, mature, become independent, and found his own family? Later she would also want to experience how it is to be a grandmother surrounded by her bubbly grandchildren. But Hannah knew in her heart that the best response to the blessing received is to use the blessing for the glory of the Lord. She was dedicating her child to God because he was from God. God has the first right to the gift he has bestowed. We who have been gifted much, are we willing to make a return to the Lord for the blessings we receive? Do we merely delight in receiving from God’s bounty? Are we satisfied with offering to God a simple token to express our gratitude? Reflection 2: Children of God In ancient times, there was the practice of offering children to the Lord. In the Bible, it was the firstborn that was brought to the temple. Christianity continued this practice and in many good homes, the parents are still aware that this offering of children to God is a gesture pleasing and effective. It is certainly the responsibility of parents to awaken in their children the love and worship of God. Piety starts at home. Faith is deepened in the company of family members who are faithful believers. Vocations, too, originate in the context of a family centered on God. How many parents still offer their children to God when they pray?  How many parents reflect faith and fidelity to God through the fine example of their own lives?  Let us be inspired by the generous gesture of Hannah and her husband who led their son and dedicated him to the Lord’s service. GOSPEL: Luke 1:46-56 Mary said:  “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, Remembering his mercy, According to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” Mary remained with [Elizabeth] about three months and then returned to her home.   A.            Short Background on the Gospel 1. As Mary visits her pregnant relative Elizabeth, the older woman blesses the younger. Mary does not return … Continue reading SIMBANG GABI DAY 7: READINGS AND REFLECTIONS