A reading from the holy Gosopel according to Luke 2:36-40
There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
REFLECTION: "And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem."
Anna, an elderly spirit filled widow, immediately recognized the Child Jesus as the Messiah. "And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem." Anna had dedicated her life to God in service, prayer and fasting. She spent all her time in the temple becoming one with the Lord. She persevered in the hope of seeing the Messiah. Despite being a widow and up in age she did not let those things hold her back. She believed all that God had spoken. She relied on God and waited for His timing.
Do we press harder when we are alone or worn out? Do we consider our work "done" because we have retired? Do we look at ways to be entertained or rewarded because we have worked hard all our lives? Do we persevere, waiting for the Lord's will to present itself as Anna did? Will God find you ready when the time comes up for His will to be done? Anna was ready for this very moment!! Through all her prayers, fasting and sacrificing, Anna was rewarded by God when the little baby Jesus and His parents appeared at the temple. She thanked and praised God first.
Let Anna be our example of the closer we get to God, the more of the Holy Spirit we will receive. Let's opt to be full of energy for the Lord. When we do see His promises kept, we will praise Him for all He has done for us. Remember, God is a lover who never forgets His promises. He is aware of all the details of our lives. He will be generous to those who are generous to Him; that is what love is--it brings out the best in us, it brings out God in our lives.
God Bless
