Saint Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Hannah, why do you weep? (1 Samuel 1:8)
Hannah bore the sorrow of her inability to conceive, enduring the constant reproach of Peninah, her husband’s other (fertile) wife, the lack of understanding of her husband, and the erroneous judgment of the priest Eli. Infertility has been a heavy cross for many throughout history. As Jacob’s wife, Rachel, once cried out, “Give me children or I shall die!” (Genesis 30:1). Yet despite the fact that as many as one in six couples struggle with infertility, many feel alone. In their distress, they feel isolated, misunderstood, depressed, uncertain about what to do, and worse, unheard by God.
Not being able to conceive can strain a marriage, even if the couple already has other children. Couples may disagree about which path to take. Some may blame each other or themselves. Others may feel pressured by potential grandparents or other well-meaning people. And in our technology-driven society, it can be very hard to navigate the complicated medical and moral options—not to mention the often anxiety-filled alternatives such as adoption—to determine the right course of action.
Is God listening? Does he care? Am I not worthy? Like Hannah, many women and men have prayed and wept until they felt spent.
If you’ve never experienced this heartache, let today’s reading move you to pray for all those who long to know the joy of parenthood but whose strength may be waning. And if you are in Hannah’s situation, know that God is just as aware of the wounds in your heart as he was of the wounds his Son endured on the cross. It may be hard to believe, but he really does have your best interest in mind. So keep praying for a heart open to his work and his will.
Take as your own the words of Pope John Paul II from a 1982 homily: “To couples who cannot have children of their own, I say: you are no less loved by God; your love for each other is complete and fruitful when it is open to others, to the needs of the apostolate, to the needs of the poor, to the needs of orphans, to the needs of the world.”
“Father, you generously answered the prayers of Hannah. Hear the prayers of those who cry out to you for a child to call their own. Give them wisdom in discerning your will and peace in accepting it.”
Psalm 116:12-19; Mark 1:14-20
Daily Marriage Tip for January 13, 2014:
“Then they abandoned their nets and followed [Jesus].” (Mk 1:18) The apostles were ready to leave their work to follow Jesus. Work is necessary to pay bills and raise kids, but sometimes our job can steal time needed for our vocation – marriage. Ask your spouse if your work is in balance.