Today's Reflections
The Testimony of Anna
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Lk 2:36-40
36There
was also 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, 37and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38And
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.
39When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Reflection:
She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child. Anna,
the elderly and pious widow, is like the man who stumbles upon a
treasure in a field. By God’s providence she is in the Temple when the
old man Simeon took the Child Jesus in his arms and spoke of him as “a
light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel”
(Lk 2:32). The moment she recognizes the Child, Anna also gives thanks
to God and speaks about the Child to all who are awaiting the redemption
of Jerusalem.
We
see here again that faith is indeed a gift of God, and that those who
receive the gift of recognizing the Savior must proclaim him to others
out of gratitude. Anna’s example tells us, besides, that no one is too
old to be a witness to Jesus. She seems so handicapped: a woman, an
elderly person, and a widow. And yet she gives witness to Jesus.
Anna puts to shame many able-bodied Christians
who dare not speak of Jesus to others.
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