With Advent only four weeks away, we are fast approaching the end of this lectionary cycle. The scripture selections for this week include: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25 and Mark 13:1-8. Alternate selections include Daniel 12:1-3 and Psalm 16.
From 1 Samuel 1:4-7 – On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; but to [his wife] Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it went year by year; as often as [Hannah] went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.
The passage continues to describe the depth of anguish Hannah feels toward her inability to conceive. Her despair is only magnified by the words of her “rival.” Our words can be powerful sources of comfort to one another, but uncaring or insensitive use of language can also cause grave harm.
Prayer:
Understanding God, help us to always talk to one another in ways which encourage and support. AMEN.
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