Most Catholics couldn’t tell you who Hannah was—or what she said, or why she was important enough to include in the lectionary. Today’s alternate First Reading speaks only of her having a son and dedicating him to the Lord’s service—which seems like a logical connection to the Gospel about 12-year-old Jesus speaking in the temple, doesn’t it?

But, as they say in the TV ads, “That’s not all, folks! There’s more!” Don’t just stop at that brief passage from the first chapter of 1 Samuel that is quoted in the alternate First Reading; go on to the next chapter (1 Sam 2:1ff) and read what Hannah prayed after bringing her son Samuel to the house of the Lord in Shiloh to present him to Eli. Look at Hannah’s prayer side by side with Mary’s Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55) and see the resemblance: praise to God who turns things upside down—who gives children to the barren, who lifts up the poor—“for not by strength does one prevail.”

Then connect the prayers of both these women to the story of 12-year-old Jesus speaking in the temple—once again, God surprises those who think they know what God should be doing—and how God should be doing it.

Consider including a setting of the Magnificat in today’s liturgy; or, of you used it for Christmas, repeat Scott Soper’s “Child of the Poor” (OCP). A joyful setting of Psalm 113 would be a very appropriate choral prelude, opening song or second communion song, such as “Give Praise to the Lord,” a setting of Psalm 113 by Lucien Deiss in Biblical Hymns and Songs, Vol. 1, WLP. Its joyful unison melody makes it easy for congregations to join in on the Alleluias:

Behold the barren wife, alleluia!
Now abides in her home, alleluia!
As the happy mother of sons, alleluia! Alleluia!

Although it may to late to prepare it this year, put it in your tickler file for 2022.