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. (Luke 2: 36 – 40)
In today’s Gospel we hear the joy of the prophetess Anna,
who received the ultimate reward for her devotion. She got to see the baby
Jesus! What joy she must have
experienced. When she was at the Temple
Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus there for the customary ritual. Anna probably got to hold the baby and
stroked His head as she held the bundle of joy.
As an elder she probably reacted as a loving grandmother would
have. Anna told all who would listen to
her about the child. Her Advent journey
ended when she experienced the baby. As we
live the Christmas mystery let us do so with joy and hope.
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