NAZIRITE VOW
Exceptional people of the past consecrated themselves to the service of the Lord and accepted the Nazirite vow (Num 6:2). Nazirites abstained from drinking wine or any alcoholic items (Num 6:3-4). They did not cut their hair (Num 6:5) and did not touch corpses, even those of their parents (Num 6:7). Examples of such Biblical characters are Samson (Judg 13:4-5), Samuel (1 Sam 1:11), John the Baptist (Lk 1: 15), and Paul for a short term (Acts 18:18).
REFLECTION
Only exceptional people took the Nazirite vow as part of their commitment to God and His people. There were others who dedicated their lives to the service of the Lord, like Anna. After becoming a widow at a youthful age, “She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer” (Lk 2:37). Mary had a vow of perpetual virginity (Lk 1:34). In the church, we have priests, religious, and lay persons fully dedicated themselves to serve God and the community. Those who lead family life can also dedicate at least part of their time to volunteer for the church service.