Gospel Reading: Lk 2:36-40
There was also a prop-hetess, 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
AWAITING THE REDEMPTION OF JERUSALEM
The prophetess Anna and the elderly Simeon represent the many who await the Anointed of God, nourished by the solemn promise God made to their fathers. Perhaps, as she was growing in years, there may have been moments when she wondered whether she would indeed be blest to see God’s promise being fulfilled. And yet, Anna does not lose hope but keeps on believing and praying. And then the awaited time finally comes.
There are certain things we hope for in life that seem to be out of reach, no matter how much we pray for them. But let us learn from Anna’s experience: let us not quench the fire of hope within us.
God is faithful to his promises: of this we can sure.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
