Hannah prayed and said, ‘My heart exults in the Lord' - May 22
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 85, 86; PM Psalm 91, 92, 1 Sam. 2:1-10; Eph. 2:1-10; Matt. 7:22-27
There are many sacrifices people in our midst are making during this time. Perhaps you know of people sequestered from their family and friends, because their job calls them to be repeatedly exposed to COVID-19. Some are working long hours, putting a strain on bodies, minds, and relationships. Due to caregiver responsibilities for children or aging parents, others have had to quit working, or shift to working late at night after others have gone to bed. There are the threshold moments that are lost – in-person celebrations of new births, graduation ceremonies, and meaningful days like anniversaries and birthdays. Those living alone are hungering for personal interactions and yet choose to remain physically separate, but they are slipping into confusion or disorientation. I bet you can think of others, too.
In the biblical context, sacrifice often means that an animal was slaughtered and burned on the altar as an offering to God – a first-fruits gift, or an act of repentance, or upon making a prayer to God. As I reflect on what sacrifice looks like today, we offer our bodies in different ways – and unless we are firefighters or other first responders, we are not putting ourselves into a physical fire. However, I can see where we do subject ourselves to metaphorical fires, as we enter difficult situations, surrendering part of ourselves for the sake of someone else. Why do we make these sacrifices day after day, and how are we being molded through this time?
In the reading from 1 Samuel today, we read the ancient “Song of Hannah”. She has made a great sacrifice, by giving her young son, Samuel, to the temple priest Eli. You see, for many years Hannah was unable to have children. She vowed to God that if he would help her conceive, she would offer the boy child into the service of the Lord. Hannah kept her word and upon leaving him at the temple with Eli, she offered the poem we know as the Song of Hannah. I can imagine tears of joy and sadness flowing down her cheeks as she praised God for God’s holiness, faithfulness, power, and knowledge. Her dedication to God was so great that she was willing to lend her child to the work of the Lord.
Please don’t misunderstand me – I am not asking you to drop off your kids as the stoop of Saint Stephen’s. Or at my house. Please – two children are enough in our home! And while some moments I want to get significant distance from my kids, I cannot imagine doing what Hannah did. Yet, what I do hear stirring in this Song of Hannah is a call to rejoice to God, even in the midst of a difficult situation. While our feet are on ground that is painful and brings us anxiety, before reacting further, let us center ourselves first by looking up to God. Hannah can teach us this rhythm.
Friends, my prayers are with you as you make sacrifices for your family and those around you. This is not an easy time. If life feels like it is getting too hard and the costs are mounting, reach out. Call the church. Call a friend. You are not alone. Hannah wasn't, and neither are you.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
What have you had to give up during COVID-19?
For whom do you make sacrifices?
Daily Challenge
Reread the Song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10). Note what word stands out to you. Take a walk and reflect on how you are called to serve the Lord today.