Hannah dared to believe that the Lord would hear her prayer and grant her a son. She even had to endure the ridicule of Eli the prophet, who accused her of being drunk. God promised her a child, which she dedicated to God. When the infant Samuel was born, Hannah remembered her promise and brought him to the shrine at Shiloh to be instructed in the ways of the Lord. God is certainly faithful - of that we can be sure. When we approach God with an open heart and mind and with ardent faith, we open a channel for God to work miracles. We should not listen to the negativity or ridicule of others, but persevere in our faith in our God.

Mary celebrated the faithfulness and kindness of God in her Magnificat. She was overwhelmed in being chosen to play such an important role in God's plan of salvation for humanity. In fact, we all have a role to play. She also praised God for divine justice - the mighty pulled down from their thrones and the lowly exalted; the hunger fed and sent away the rich with nothing. God does not prop up the social and political order, especially when it is cruel and unjust. God's world is very different than the world we humans create. Let us seek to serve God in justice and mercy.