My eyes have seen the salvation of Israel

1 Jn 2:12-17, Lk 2:36-40. Forty days after the birth of Jesus, He was ritually presented in the Temple with the approved sacrifice. His future was foretold by an eighty-four year old woman, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel. She served God night and day, with fasting and prayer. She spoke of the child Jesus to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. The age of the old Simeon was not mentioned, but had been waiting a long time to see Christ and after greeting Him he felt ready to leave this life in peace. He was also a man of prayer guided by the Holy Spirit. Such were the people who could sense the significance of the child being carried into the Temple by Mary and Joseph.

Simeon and Anna had special focus in life and an exemplary persistence in hope. They lived their whole life for a single encounter: an encounter with Jesus, the Messiah. They were taught the law, the prophets and were aware of the promised Messiah who would deliver Israel. They knew God because they spoke with God everyday, who promised the deliverer through the prophets. They longed to see the fulfilment of the promise of God coming in the Temple with prayer and fasting. There is a message for us in Anna’s encounter with Jesus. We will be able to encounter God in prayer and contemplating in His Word. We can share with others the fruit of this encounter leading others to God. To pray is to serve God; it is to give ourselves over to God. Such service of God will empower us, as it empowered Anna, to be witnesses to God’s presence and activity to all who are still longing for God’s coming.

May the Lord make our hearts dispose to hear the Word of God and remain steadfast as we await the coming of Eternal life! Amen!! Good morning and have a productive week!!!