Children

Thought for the parish pew slip – Sunday 27th December 2009

Readings: 1 Samuel 1: 20-22 & 24-end 1 John 3: 1-2 & 21-end Luke 2: 41-end

Our readings today offer stories in sharp contrast with our present day attitudes which encourage us to be possessive and protective of our children.
As we read of the extraordinary generosity of Hannah in giving her only child to the Lord we must remember the great struggle that Hannah endured before Samuel was conceived (see 1 Samuel 1: 1-19). We must also remember the great fruit that came from this gift. Samuel grew up to become the last of the Judges of Israel and the man who anointed David as king.
John reminds us that we are children of God. We are much more truly God’s children than anyone else’s (see also Matt 23:9). We must behave as good brothers and sisters to one another, loving each other as the Lord commanded.
Our gospel reading records a moment of great drama for Mary and Joseph when they think they have lost the child Jesus. In fact Jesus is in the temple. He does not feel lost at all; he is in his Father’s house.