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Bible Time Period: Conquest and Judges
You led Israel triumphantly into the Promised Land. They failed to teach their children, and instead did what was right in their own eyes: Help me to keep my eyes on you and teach others what is truly right.
Reflection
Samuel is an important person in the history of God’s people, and the details conveyed here about his birth and young life are significant. This is not the first time we have read about a child given to someone who was previously barren. Pay attention: this child will become the last and greatest of all the judges.
Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving has been called the “Magnificat of the Old Testament.” Ultimately, its anticipation of an anointed king (the Messiah) finds its fulfillment in the birth of another “impossible child” to the woman Mary.
Today’s Reading
Today’s Question
What proofs do you see of God’s initiative and purpose for Samuel do you see in the details of Samuel’s early life? Do you see anything of interest in a comparison of the first and last verses of chapter 3?
Join the discussion below!
Very informative Father Mike. I will not hit the snooze button tomorrow morning! I will offer it as a sacrifice in union with the cross of Jesus. God Bless you and your teaching rocks! clear and concise.
Fr. Mike, I am really pleased with your teaching methods, having gone through El. Ed. long ago. You show and teach us is truly gifted, and ultimately WE are ‘built up’ into the Body
!
At the end of the day on Ash Wednesday, I was thinking about how I really don’t like fasting – it’s one of my least favorite forms of worship. But, of course, I did it anyway. When I have fasted in the past, I would bring to mind the self-denial and appreciation aspects, but I never thought much about the other reasons. You explained fasting in a very thorough and deep way that has changed how I view it, and I will definitely refer back to this video. The point that especially resonates with me is the one you made regarding the alarm clock and snooze button. That’s been a long and difficult struggle for me, and having this new perspective, I believe, will help me. I normally don’t take the time to comment on things, but this video was too excellent not to. I appreciate your wise perspective and your humble service. Thank you, Father!
Who knew?! I’ve been a Catholic all my life and I ALWAYS learn something new from your videos, Fr. Mike! I pass them along to my young adult kids – – they love your perspective on our faith. So thankful for the work you do – – God bless you!
Fr. Mike, one more thing. You say hangry And hard core Catholic just as I do. I am in Louisiana and you are wherever, coincidence? I Say no. I don’t believe in coincidence. You are a fine young man. I know we are all inter connected being in the mystical body of the Christ, The Church. But, you and I are CONNECTED! I feel you appeal to the young Catholics, but since the soul doesn’t age, I feel the age of whomever I am with. I am 5 when I am with my granddaughters, 25 when I am with my daughter, in my thirties when I am with my hard core Catholic son, and 80 when I am with my parents. Peace be with you. You appeal to me. I love your excitement! When I see and listen to you, I feel no age just joy! God Bless you to continue Opus Dei.
Enlightening! Thank you Fr. Mike for teaching us. God bless you!