Readings: 1 Sam. 1:1-8, Ps. 116:12-19. Mark 1:14-20
“And her rival used to provoke her sorely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore, Hannah wept and would not eat.” (1 Samuel 1:6-7)
The story of Prophet Samuel is one of the Bible’s narratives that reminds us that, despite societal changes, the human condition remains constant. It teaches us who we are, who we should be, and what we can become if we invite God into our lives through prayer.
Elkanah had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah; one had children, and the other was barren. Even in our African societies, childlessness is regarded as a scourge. Since Peninnah bore children, it was clear that Elkanah was fertile. Hannah must have asked herself multiple times, “Why can’t I have children? What is wrong with me?” During this time, Peninnah took it upon herself to provoke and constantly irritate Hannah.
I once saw a movie where a woman was accused of eating her unborn children just because she didn’t have hers. The sad part is that such ridicule comes mainly from her fellow women, and these women go as far as preventing the woman from touching their children, as barrenness is an airborne disease. This is pure wickedness.
Like Hannah, we sometimes find it hard to succeed where others excel. We might have all the qualities, physically, mentally, or financially, yet things don’t turn out well for us. It is bad enough that we face challenges, but it is even worse when people laugh at and ridicule us. Nothing is as painful as knowing that you now have a nickname because of your peculiar problem.
Never make a jest of a woman because she doesn’t have a child; you cannot tell what God is preparing for her. Hannah, like Elizabeth, was called barren, but they were perfectly healthy. God knew exactly what He was doing. Recently, I saw a video clip on social media. It says, “When God wants to make a man powerful, He doesn’t crown him first, He breaks him. He strips away your comfort, your pride, your plans, till all that is left is what’s real. That isn’t punishment, that’s training.”
“Pain doesn’t come to destroy you; it comes to strengthen what is weak inside you so you can carry the weight of your destiny. Every bad day, every betrayal, every heartbreak, that is God moulding you piece by piece. And you don’t grow in comfort, you grow in chaos. The pressure that is breaking you now, that is the same pressure that will make you unstoppable.” Consider all those God used powerfully in the Scriptures; none of them had a smooth ride. They all had to suffer before stepping into greatness.
Amid our struggles and suffering, the easiest course is always to turn to tears. Crying helps unburden the heart and wash one’s eyes. But crying has never solved any problem. Tears may gain human sympathy, but prayer will invite Divine Assistance. Stop seeking the pity of others; they may cry with you, but turn around to laugh behind your back. Humans are naturally selfish. The earlier you stop seeking anyone’s pity, the quicker you get back on your feet. Jesus never sought the pity of others. When the women wept for him while on His way to Calvary, Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” (Luke 23:28)
In the case of Hannah, it wasn’t her fault that she couldn’t have a child. Sometimes, our tears are a result of our own deliberate errors and our refusal to admit our faults. We point fingers at others, but never see anything wrong with ourselves. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” The worst sin is the sin of self-righteousness. When you believe you are perfect, you are like a cup filled with water, unable to take in any more, unable to learn anything that would help you make necessary adjustments.
Wipe your tears and tell yourself the truth. You are not the only one who has enemies. You are not the centre of the universe. Repent of your sins first, then leave everything to God. Jesus told us to seek first His kingdom, and everything will be added to us. (cf. Matthew 6:33). Your challenges are never an excuse for living recklessly. Be like Peter, Andrew, James and John in today’s Gospel passage. When Jesus called them, they didn’t consider what they were about to lose; they believed what Jesus offered was of greater value. Put God first; live out your baptismal vows and trust that God has something great ahead for you.
Let us pray: Attend to the pleas of your people with heavenly care, O Lord, we pray, that they may see what must be done and gain strength to do what they have seen. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 1 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 1 Sam. 1:1-8, Ps. 116:12-19. Mark 1:14-20)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu