Today's reading takes place 11 centuries before Christ at an Israelite shrine (referred to as a "temple" in the text).
Hannah was the second and favorite wife of Elkanah, and had trouble conceiving a child. When Hannah had visited this shrine previously, Eli the high priest had promised that she would bear a son. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son who would become the prophet Samuel. Now Hannah had returned to the shrine to dedicate her child to the Lord.
Mary's Magnifcat is said to be based on a song attributed to Hannah. Many Christians see Hannah as a symbol of Mary in the way that she offered her only son to God for his work.
There's a focus on Mary in the final week of the Advent season. Catholics hold a special devotion to Mary, but you can approach your understanding of Mary through different doorways. One doorway focuses on her as mother of God. That role is based on family ties, and is absolutely unique to Mary. Nobody else is mother of God.
Another doorway sees Mary as the first and best disciple of the Lord. The criterion for being a disciple is not based on family ties. Jesus himself was clear on that. This view of Mary as disciple also reminds me that discipleship many make for a difficult life. You can't be my disciple, Jesus said, unless you take up your cross and walk in my footsteps.
We know Mary is the mother of God, but we might forget at times that she is also a faithful and courageous disciple of Jesus, her son. She can teach us a lot about being a disciple.
Hannah's Prayer
my horn is exalted in my God.
I have swallowed up my enemies;
I rejoice in my victory.
There is no Holy One like the Lord;
there is no Rock like our God ...
- 1 Samuel 2:1-2
Mary's MagnifcatMy 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 ... - Luke 1:46-52 |