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1^st SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

The process of growth forms the conversation between the first and gospel lesson.   Note the patterns and similarities and differences that the story of Samuel and the story of Jesus offer the listening community.  Sandwiched between the two comes the teaching for the new humanity that will guide our own growth in wisdom and stature.

1 SAMUEL 2:18-20, 26—SERVING THE LORD

This passage in the story of Samuel follows the extraordinary supplication of Hannah for a son and her subsequent vow to give her son to the Lord at Shiloh.  The placement of the youthful oSamuel certainly contrasts the deplorable state of the worship cult at the hands of the priest Eli’s two sons who, in the TEV translation “were scoundrels.”   While Hophni and Phinehas trashed worship regulations, Samuel “served the Lord.”  In our passage the writer reveals a rhythm going on in Samuel’s life—the annual pilgrimage by his parents to Shiloh along with new clothes, and the blessing of Eli upon Elkanah and Hannah.  A pilgrim’s progress sums up Samuel’s progress and will also reflect another youth’s progress in Luke’s gospel:  “The boy Samuel continued to grow and to gain favor both with the LORD and with people” (v. 26).

COLOSSIANS 3:12-17—THE NEW HUMANITY

I like the way Philip’s translation begins the lesson:  As, therefore, God’s picked representatives of the new humanity . . .   What follows, then, are the appropriate responses and actions reflective of this new humanity formed by God—people who are merciful, kindly, humble, patient, tolerant, forgiven and forgiving, and loving.  The writer pauses to expand on love for it is the “golden chain of all the virtues, before going on the next ornament on the golden chain: peace.  Add to the list of our new humanity several other pieces: Christ’s teaching should grow within us of which the natural expression should be a glad, musical heart—“singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs—with thanksgiving.” 

LUKE 2:41-52—FATHER’S BUSINESS

I’m more attentive this time around these passages with the very close similarities between the Hannah/Elkanah/Samuel/Eli story and the Mary/Joseph/Jesus story.  As in the first lesson the context is a worship center, this time Jerusalem.  The parents—Mary and Joseph—are play a secondary role to what happens to their son.  As with Hannah so with Mary, her son is separated from her, lost to her.  Eventually the frantic parents several days later find Jesus sitting in the Temple—the center of the worship tradition—listening and asking questions of the Jewish teachers.   Though physically reunited, the stage is set and the message conveyed that Jesus will be about “his Father’s business.”  So with Jesus as with Samuel a summary statement reflects a growing boy—Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people (v. 52).