What We Can Learn from Today's Scripture reading, 1 Sam: 1-8

In today's first reading, 1 Samuel 1: 1-8, we are given the story of Elkanah and his two wives, Penninah and Hannah.  Penninah has born her husband several children while Hannah is barren.  On annual visits to the Temple to offer sacrifice, Penninah engages in bullying behavior toward Hannah because of her barren state. She makes fun of her to the point that Hannah loses her appetite.  Her grief consumes her. Elkanah, who love both his wives dearly, is also effected. It hurts him deeply to see Hannah in such pain.

Bullying is not confined to Old Testament times. It goes on to this very day, even by those in high positions of authority.  Insecure people--persons who are into bullying others--may keep others subject to them by threats of violence, even murder.  In some instances, bullying occurs on a large scale basis, with leaders taunting others with machine guns, warheads, and nuclear capabilities.

Bullying, I believe, is done by very insecure people, persons with very low self-esteem. To lift oneself up, a bully pulls others down to his/her state.  Gossip of others is a form of bullying. Teasing can also be a form of lifting oneself up at the expense of others. 

Am I, are you, engaging in any form of bullying others, putting others down, demeaning or degrading others? If so, what am I, are you, really angry about? What do you, do I, need to do to strengthen our self-esteem?  What goals have I, have you, set for yourself today, this week, that will lead to an appreciation of self?   And how can you, can I, build others up, affirm others, find good in others and express that good?  And if you are a parent, grandparent, how can you affirm your child/grandchild--find at least one thing about that child that you can affirm today!  Seek to praise a child in whatever way you can. Catch a child doing good and praise him/her for that good! For instance, "I just saw you share your toy with your little sister/brother. That was kind of you. I am proud of you." Catch your spouse or a fellow Sister in religious life doing good and acknowledge it. Bullying will stop and you and I will be living according to the Gospel of Jesus.