Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent

“Given Back to God”

As we stand just days from Christmas, today’s readings place before us two women, Hannah and Mary, whose lives are joined by a single word: gift.

Hannah brings Samuel to the temple and gives him back to the Lord. Her son was prayed for, longed for, and finally received—not to be possessed, but to be offered. “As long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.” Her joy is not diminished by surrender; it is made complete by it.

Mary’s Magnificat echoes the same spirit. She does not cling to what God has done in her, but magnifies the Lord who has done it. She rejoices not in herself, but in the God who “has looked upon the lowliness of his servant.” Both women teach us that true faith is not about holding tightly, but about placing everything into God’s hands.

Saint Augustine reflects on this mystery when he says:

“God does not ask us to give him things, but to give ourselves.”

In these final days of Advent, the Church gently asks us the same question Hannah and Mary answered with their lives: What are we willing to entrust to God? Our plans? Our fears? Our families? Our very selves?

Christmas is almost here, but before God gives us His Son, He invites us to learn how to give. Like Hannah and Mary, may we say with trust and humility: This, too, belongs to the Lord.