Today, the gospel presents the figure of Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (Lk 2:36). By the time we encounter her here, she has lived most of her earthly lifetime: having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage and then as a widow until the age of eighty four (Lk 2:36-37). All through these years, she had waited for this moment, and finally it had arrived. Did she know that she would meet such important visitors that day?
... 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 (Lk 2:38). The encounter Anna had that day with the child Jesus and with his parents filled her with joy. This is the same joy that we experience when we encounter the living God, and this is the same joy that excites and motivates us to give thanks to God. Filled with the joy of having encountered Jesus in prayer, we are equally filled with an overwhelming desire to speak about Him to all those we meet.
Today, Anna shows us a wonderful example of evangelization. Let us ask her to pray with us today, together, let us ask the Lord to allow us the great privilege of encountering Him, of being filled once again with the great joy of knowing that He is near ... and let us also ask the Lord to plant within our hearts a desire to speak about Him with those we meet today.
Have a great day.
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