Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Gerbrand Van den Eckhout: Hannah presenting her son Samuel to the Priest Eli
Steadfastness in Hope: Miracles
As we continue to shelter in place in order to combat a pandemic, we remember the steadfastness of Hannah.
Today we read the story of a woman who is well-loved . . . and well taunted, a woman who will not give up her hope for something new. Previously in our Noontime journey we have examined the piety, constancy and fidelity of Hannah. Today, as we continue to explore the quality of steadfastness, we look for surprises, joy and hope that mark Hannah’s journey, and we allow ourselves to be open to surprise, joy and hope even as we remain steadfast. Several verses leap off the page to give us new meaning from familiar old words.
Verse 6: Her rival, to upset her, turned it into a constant reproach to her that the Lord had left her barren. Knowing that a woman’s worth in ancient times was measured by her virginity as a maiden and her fertility as a woman, Peninnah, the second wife of Elkanah, is perhaps jealous of the double portions of love Hannah receives despite her barrenness. Perhaps Peninnah is younger and more beautiful . . . and thinks herself deserving of something better. We know many people who are Peninnahs to us and to others. During this Eastertide, let us pray that the joy of life in Christ softens their hearts of stone.
Verse 15: I am an unhappy woman . . . I was only pouring out my troubles to the Lord. Hannah takes her burden to the proper place . . . to her creator who knows both her gifts and her plight better than any human. We are all Hannah at one time or another in our homeward journey. Sometimes we try to carry our burdens on our own; sometimes we share our woes with friends and counselors as we should. We must also remember to take our problems daily to the one who has the best solutions. During this Eastertide, let us pray that our confidence in Christ softens our hearts of stone.
Verse 18: She went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and no longer appeared downcast. Hannah is first rebuked by the priest Eli who thinks that she is drunk as she prays. Once he understands her misery, he blesses her and urges her to in peace, relying on the God of Israel to hear her request. She exhibits immediate confidence and joy. We find consolation when we take our troubles to God. May we encourage one another to bring their burdens to the Lord who heals and frees all from sadness. During this Eastertide, let us pray that the hope of life in Christ opens our hearts of stone.
Verse 19: The Lord remembered her. The Lord is mindful of his faithful handmaid for many years. Hannah not only bears a son, Samuel, whom she dedicates to God; she also receives the gift of three more sons and two daughters. This family is an ample witness to Hannah, to Peninnah, and to us that a steadfast, confident, joyful heart receives miracles beyond imagining. During this Eastertide, let us pray that our life in Christ opens all hearts to the miracles God has in mind for us this day.
When we persist in our steadfastness we ultimately experience hope. When we rest in our steadfastness we ultimately experience joy. When we persevere in our steadfastness we ultimately experience surprise. In this Eastertide, let us welcome God’s presence in our lives and remain steadfast. Let us be open to the surprises, joy and miracles that await us.
Amen.
Adapted from the December 7, 2008 Noontime.
The Noontimes 