6th day within the octave of Christmas
Gospel Luke 2:36-40
“She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer”. On the sixth day within the octave of Christmas, we reflect on the Gospel of Luke 2:36-40, where we encounter the prophetess Anna, a woman of extraordinary faith and dedication. At eighty-four years old, Anna’s life was a testament to unwavering devotion. She never left the Temple, spending her days and nights in prayer and fasting, fully immersed in serving God. Her steadfast commitment positioned her to witness the arrival of the Messiah, the infant Jesus, at the very moment He was brought to the Temple. Anna’s story teaches us the profound truth that perseverance in our spiritual practices—whether through prayer, fasting, or acts of service—aligns our lives with divine timing and opens our hearts to encounters with Jesus. Her example invites us to consider how our constant dedication, even in the quiet and seemingly unnoticed moments, can lead to profound spiritual fulfilment and transformative experiences of God’s presence. Let’s reflect: How can I cultivate the same unwavering commitment and perseverance in my spiritual life as Anna, so that I, too, may be open to encountering Jesus in the moments He chooses to reveal Himself to me?
Don Giorgio