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The birth of Samuel is a significant story of a woman of faith who was barren, by name Hannah.
Hannah and Peninah were both wives of Elkanah from the tribe of Ephraim, but only Hannah had no children.
The family traveled to Shiloh every year for the annual worship, and there, her rival kept provoking her to irritate her; she would weep and not eat.
But in a particular year, when she was deeply distressed, Hannah walked to the sanctuary and prayed, crying bitterly.
She made a solemn promise, “If you give me a son, I will dedicate him to you for his whole life.”
While Hannah continued to pray for a long time, Eli the priest observed and questioned if she was drunk.
Hannah responded, “I am desperate; I have been praying, pouring out my troubles to God.”
Go in peace; may God grant you what you ask, Eli said.
The second lesson presents the dedication of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem and with the prophetic involvement of Simeon and Hannah.
Simeon is described as a God-fearing man who was waiting for Israel to be saved.
The Holy Spirit had assured him that he would not die before he had seen God’s promised Messiah.
Hannah was a very old prophet and widow who never left the Temple, worshipping God, day and night, with fasting and prayer.
Simeon gave thanks for the child Jesus, confessing that he had seen God’s salvation, even a light for revelation to the Gentiles.
He added that, “This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel, a sign from God many people will speak against.
Hannah also gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free.
Joseph and Mary were amazed at the things said about Jesus.
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