30 December , 2023 | The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

 Gospel Lk 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.

Reflections: 

Today the gospel tells us of another holy soul, Anna, who spent day and night in the temple for decades together, praying and fasting, eagerly waiting for the coming of the messiah. Like Simeon, from deep within, she knew, and recognised Baby Jesus as the promised Messiah when she met him and began praising God and spoke to all about Baby Jesus. The gospel mentions, “At that moment she came”. Is it a coincidence? No. God willed that Anna would have the joy of beholding the Messiah. With God, there is no such a thing as coincidence. We should therefore realise that in our life too, God has planned everything, be it an event that looks like an opportunity or a misstep, God knows it all and he will order things in our life to fit his plan. All we need to do is seek his will and recognise his presence. May Anna inspire us to dedicate our lives to God and direct all of our actions in life to the praise and glory of his name and the salvation of all people. 

Activity:

 Today, let us spend some time in prayer, praising and thanking God for all the events that have taken place in our life where we felt his presence tangibly, and his hand guiding us.