Reflection for Sixth Day Within the Octave of Christmas.
By
Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore
Today's Word
Luke 2:36-38
There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem .
Today's Reflection
In whatever profession we are in, we would have to accomplish a related task so as to prove our competency.
So a doctor would have treated sick patients, a lawyer would have handled a legal case, a pilot would have done some flights, etc.
To be called a prophet or prophetess, one would have at least made a prophecy.
The gospel said that there a prophetess by the name of Anna, though there was no record of any prophecies that she had made.
After becoming a widow, she resided at the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer.
And then at 84 years old, when she saw the Child Jesus, she made her, probably, one and only prophecy, when she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the coming of the Saviour.
And that one moment made her and her whole life complete.
We are reminded, through Anna, that our life has a meaning and a purpose, and it is all in God's plan.
No matter what our status or profession is, when we dedicate our lives to God, He will direct us to His purpose and we will see how wonderful the meaning of our life is.
Let our life be like Anna the prophetess who lived a life of purity, praying constantly, persevering in patience thus being able to proclaim the Lord Boldly.
GOD BLESS YOU
Good morning. Have a nice safe day