22 December - Season of Advent

Vocations to the priesthood and religious life are becoming fewer these days, especially in certain countries. As people progress and prosper, they are faced with more and more attractions and temptations of the world, and the voice of God calling some to work in His vineyard seems to be harder and harder to listen. One other reason why vocations are dwindling could also be because families are shrinking in size, and parents are becoming more and more reluctant to let their son or daughter go. But is what sort of attitude is expected of us as Christians? Should we be clinging on to our children and not let them do what they are called to do?

In today's reading, we come across Hannah who chose to fulfil her vow and make over her son Samuel to the Lord. Hannah could have been selfish and choose to keep Samuel with her, since conceiving Samuel had been so difficult and had taken so long before it finally happened. But Hannah chose to be generous and let go of Samuel, so that he could do what he had been called to do.

What about us? Are we willing, like Hannah, to let our son or daughter go and do what he or she has been called by God to do? Our children are gifts from God, and it is a blessing to share such gifts. May we with joy, humility and generosity let our children go forth, so that we would have more workers in His vineyard, for His greater glory.

22 December - Season of Advent

Some of us like to be recognised for what we have accomplished. When we have done our work well or met certain targets, we expect to be amply praised and rewarded. Some of us like to take credit for even those things we have not anything, but just because we may have had some say, no matter how small it may be, we expect to be acknowledged. Some even go so far as to claim credit for helping another person make it in the world, even though in reality, the person may have gotten to where he or she is without help or advice from others.

But today's Gospel gives a quite a different picture of giving credit and recognition. In the Gospel, Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my saviour; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid." Here, Mary was giving credit entirely to God. She recognised that she was nothing without God's providence and help, and she gave glory to God instead of trying to take credit for saying "yes" to God. What about us? Could we ever be like Mary, giving all glory and honour to God?

22 December - Season of Advent

For some of us, it may be difficult to let go of persons or things which are dear or significant to us. We try to hold on to such things or persons as much or as long as possible. This is especially apparent when it comes to certain persons who have been part of our lives for a long time. However, as with all things and persons here on earth, there comes a time when the person will need to leave. Even things that we own have got a lifespan and we would not be able to have them forever. But what should be our attitude be as Christians? Are we continuing to cling on, or are we willing to let go?

In today's reading, Hannah had been granted a son whom she named Samuel. Naturally, as a mother, she would have been extremely grateful and happy to have had a son granted to her by God, after being unable to conceive for so long. However, Hannah had made a vow to offer her son to God should she conceive. She could have been hesitant or selfish, and keep Samuel with her, since it had been quite difficult for her to become a mother. But she chose to fulfil her vow when she said: "This is the child I prayed for, and the Lord granted me what I asked him. Now I make him over to the Lord for the whole of his life. He is made over to the Lord." Hannah was willing to let go of the child she treasured, knowing and trusting in God's providence.

What about us? If God were to ask us to let go of something, would we be able to do so? Are we willing to have confidence and trust in God like Hannah did? Let us always remember that we are merely pilgrims here on earth, and place our lives in God's hands, knowing that He will care for us.