The Book of Judges covers the time between the death of Joshua and the rise of Saul, a period between 1225 and 1025 B.C. Through the stories of 12 judges who were leaders of the people during that time, the book describes how the Israelites were settling down and learning to survive in the Promise Land.
Today's first reading chronicles the birth of one of those judges, Samson.
Samson was a Nazarite, one of a group of people who took a special vow of dedication to the Lord. They were to abstain from strong drink and wine, have no contact with a dead body, and could not cut their hair - vows which Samson would break in the course of his life.
While the story of Samson is that of a biblical hero with plenty of flaws, it also reminds me that the Lord's hand was with Samson throughout his life - from his birth, to helping him defeat the Philistines, and to the time when he prayed for strength and vengeance.
The Lord was Samson throughout his life - even when he failed to live up to his promises.
Like the Lord is with you ...
- Little Blue Book, Diocese of Saginaw