In today's two readings we hear the touching narrative of two women of Israel who suffered painful humiliations because they were not able to bear children. One, Hannah, became the mother of Samson; the other, Elizabeth, became the mother of John the Baptist. Both women were barren and in those days, a barren woman was considered by her relatives and neighbours to be cursed by God and completely useless.

But, God intervenes. Both women were God-fearing persons, and God sends His angels and saves them, heals them making them whole and happy. Hannah gives birth to Samson who frees Israel from the tyranny of the Philistines; Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist, the fore-runner of the Messiah who redeems all of us.

For us, modern men and women, these stories seem childish. But they are not. They are part of Salvation History. And with these stories the Liturgy dramatizes the reality of our situation and encourages us to hope that we will become healthy, whole and sane, with the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us keep always in touch with the healing and creative power of God who comes to us in Jesus Christ.