In reading the first reading, was surprised at the language Hannah is using in talking of God, she says she is lending to God what is already His. Such language is very often heard between married couples. Meaning we get to see the relationship that Hannah had developed with Yahweh, and her trust in Him. She was a barren, so much so her husband married a second time. She had to face the scorn of the second wife and her life was miserable. At her visit to the Temple, she cried and poured her heart to the Lord, and promised Him her firstborn. And now she had come to give to the Lord, that what she had promised. While giving her child to the Lord, she had no sadness, fear or tears. I feel she was in the same shoes as Abraham, taking Isaac to the Sacrifice, totally confident in the Lord, that this was not the end of the road, but the beginning of hope and a future.

Mary encountering Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s knowledge of her condition, she further sees the broad range of her role in God’s Plan of Salvation – that of Queen Mother. She realises what God has done for her and Israel – He has highly honoured them and that is where the similarity ends. While Mary awaits and seeks God’s action in her life, Israel keeps God at arms distance and fails to wait on Yahweh.

Jesus has come and already here. On the 25th we celebrate Jesus’ coming to earth in human form, to be with us forever. Jerusalem did not acknowledge Him but if you feel Him pulling you in some form or the other, do not deny Him. Speak to Him like Hannah, He will honour you and fulfil you.