Readings: Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent | USCCB 

Today’s readings describe two families, each preparing for the arrival of their first and only child; children whose miraculous conceptions are announced by angelic messengers. Both children will have a role in the salvation of Israel and ultimately the salvation of all the world. Sampson “will begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines,” while John the Baptist “will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.” The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth is familiar, and its relationship to the coming of the Christmas season is readily apparent. The relationship of Sampson’s story seems more obscure.  

We know from scripture that Sampson was given extraordinary physical prowess—allowing him to kill many Philistines, the oppressors of Israel during that time. Sadly, his great physical strength was not matched with great moral strength. Throughout his life, Sampson is violent and licentious. His moral weakness leads him into an illicit relationship with Delilah who repeatedly betrays him. Eventually, through Delilah’s treachery, the Philistines enslave, torture, and ultimately exhibit Sampson at a great feast. It is here that Sampson implores God to restore his great strength so he might avenge himself and die with his tormentors. God grants his prayer and on that day the leaders of the Philistines and Sampson die through his destruction of their temple.   

What are we to make of this odd story, especially as an advent reading? One way to read the story is to recognize that God is active in the creation of each person, and that we are created for a purpose. Like Sampson, our refusal to live in accord with that purpose often leads to misery. But even when we are the authors of our own misfortunes, also like Sampson, God loves us and hears our prayers.  

Teresa Collet, Professor at the Law School 

The Campus Ministry Seasonal Reflections are offered during the liturgical seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter. We bring a variety of voices from Students, Faculty and Staff. The perspectives expressed in these reflections are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Campus Ministry.