Gospel – Luke 2:36-40
‘Anna speaks of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem’
There was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.
When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.
Reflection
‘Simeon and Anna cherished the hope proclaimed by the prophets, even though it is slow to be fulfilled and grows silently amid the infidelities and ruins of our world. They did not complain about how wrong things are, but patiently looked for the light shining in the darkness of history.’ – Pope Francis
Prayer
God-With-Us, grant me the patience of Anna. When the world seems dark, help me to wait and hope joyfully, knowing that you will bring all things to fruition in the wisdom of your time. Amen.
The Gifts of Christmas
The best gifts can’t be wrapped! Adapted from an original Ten Gifts of Christmas by Sister Margaret Schweiss, we suggest offering one of these special gifts to someone in your life who would benefit from them, each day of the Christmas Octave.
The gift of space
There are times in our lives when we want nothing more than to be left alone. Become more sensitive to those times in the lives of others. Then respond generously by giving them the gift of solitude, or privacy; of do-not-disturb times, of being left alone.