As we approach closer to Christmas, the readings for today are, indeed, joyous ones. The responsorial psalm is replete with expressions of joy and celebration. The first reading and the gospel present some other themes as well, namely, motherhood, faith, and trust.
Both Hannah and Mary demonstrate incredible motherly love and heartfelt trust and faith. I think of Hannah traveling with little Samuel, newly weaned still in her arms. She remembers her prayers for him and her commitment to God that if she were granted a son that she would give him to the Lord. Incredibly, she does not flinch from that promise she made. It is unfathomable for me to comprehend her willingness to give him up. While I may understand the promise made in desperation for a child, the fulfilling of that promise is beyond my comprehension at least at the heart level. I certainly understand intellectually but I think of the first times I held each of my children and I knew I never wanted to let them go. The incredible strength and faith in God that Hannah had is admirable. Would that I could be so unwavering. She did continue to visit Samuel once a year yet that could be heartbreaking each time to leave him again. She was able to see beyond her own needs to fulfilling God’s will and the good that it would bring to so many. Perhaps she displays true motherly love in seeing beyond her needs and wants to the future of her child. Samuel was an amazing judge leading his people with wisdom and love. Certainly, as our children grow we “let them go” more and more – to school, to college, to new loves and families but usually still connected by a longer and less restraining tie.
We have heard much in this Advent season about Mary’s acceptance of God’s will. The gospel for today eloquently relays her thoughts and responses. While Hannah had the wisdom of years, Mary is just a very young girl speaking these words. She trusts beyond compare of what God’s plans are for her and her child. I wonder what the conversations were between her and Elizabeth. There they are – two women talking about the miracles in their lives yet not knowing how any of it would unfold. We must give tribute to mothers everywhere as they, too, live with the miracle of children in their lives and the hope in the future for each of these children. Perhaps one of our take away lessons today is how to facilitate for ourselves and others the continued recognition of these miracles and inspire all to the hope that the future holds when we put it in the hands of God!
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
