Monday – 6th Day in Christmas Octave

Gospel – Luke 2:36-40

A Devoted Woman

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Today we turn to the prophetess Anna as we conclude the story of the Presentation.  Anna is completely alone in the world.  She is a widow and elderly.  There is no one looking out for her welfare, no one to help out, no support system at all to see to her needs.  She is probably homeless as well since she spends night and day in the Temple area. 

You would think she would be miserable and despondent over her circumstances.  And yet the opposite is true.  She has dedicated herself to the Lord; she spends her time in prayer and fasting.  And when she does encounter the Holy Family, she breaks out in praise and thanksgiving for having seen the Savior.  And she announces the news to all she meets.  It seems like the perfect definition of proclaiming the ‘good news’!

You have to wonder – where are all the religious leaders, the priests and Levites?  You would think they would be around the Temple area performing their duties.  And yet all we see is Anna and she isn’t even from the tribe of Levi, those expected to serve in the Temple.  Earlier the Gospel used the term ‘devout’ to describe Simeon.  It seems most appropriate to apply it to Anna as well!  She is the definition of ‘devotion.’  She has given her life in service to the Lord, willingly and gladly! She spends her life praying and fasting with no hint of regret or bitterness at what life has thrown at her.

Life has certainly thrown a lot of curveballs at us this year, at times, probably more than we can handle.  Often it has left us reeling and lost, deeply saddened and floundering in faith!  And sometimes bitter and angry!  Regretting all we have lost and not appreciating what we have?  So we have to ask ourselves -has our prayer life diminished or prospered?  What is it that we are truly ‘devoted’ to?  Where do we go from here?

Great Spirit, help me to realize that what I see with my eyes closed is what really counts!