Homily: December 22, 2025 Monday of the Fourth week of Advent (Surrender)

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“Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD. She left Samuel there.”

How long did Hannah pray and wait for a child?

Jewish tradition suggests that Hannah possibly waited about nineteen years. Throughout scripture, we understand that being childless in those days meant living like being cursed. There was no sympathy from others, only gossip and scorn. Despite carrying deep sorrow in her heart, Hannah did not give up, she kept praying and asking for God’s compassion and mercy.

Finally, God answered her prayer, and the child was named ‘Samuel’ which means ‘because I asked God for it’.

What would you do if you received a gift you have been longing for and waiting for years?

You would hold on tightly to it and not want to lose it, right?

Well Hannah was different. She was totally grateful that God has removed her shame and restored her dignity with the gift of a son, Samuel. But Hannah did not cling on to her gift, she readily dedicated her son to God, as she had promised.

Scripture says, “She left Samuel there.”

Powerful. She did not hesitate, she did not waver, she did not negotiate. She left Samuel there and she must have walked away after that, back to her own life, entrusting Samuel to God. This firm action speaks of conviction, trust and reliability.

Hannah believed that Samuel belonged to God even before he belonged to her. And by placing him in God’s hands, she placed him in the safest place possible.

Everyone of us have received lots of blessings from God. But has anyone of us offered up and dedicated to God the most precious of what we have received?

Did you? Would you?

Letting go is never easy. And Hannah teaches us that surrendering is not losing, it is letting go so as to live free. From Hannah’s surrender came one of the greatest prophets of Israel.

Today, let us ask ourselves: What is God asking me to leave in His hands? Am I afraid to lose it or am I ready to give it? For the greater glory of God.

May we have the dedicated courage of Hannah, to give without holding back, to trust without fear, and to believe firmly in God, who will do great things with whatever we offer Him.

Amen.


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