There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And 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.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Jesus, Mary and Joeph meet the prophetess Anna. This is very similar to yesterday’s reading wnen Mary and Joseph met Simeon. Both meetings are with wise and holy people who identify Jesus as the messiah and the fulfilment of prophecy. The line that caught my eye was this statement about Jesus - “ filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him”. How does one get the favour of God? For Anna, it was continual prayer and sacrifice. I am called to live out my vocation in a unique way. I cannot be Anna nor can I be anyone else. For each of us, the challenge is to discover God’s will for us and live it.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection on Luke 2:36-40 is insightful and thought-provoking, raising important questions about God's favor and finding our unique roles in His plan. Here are some points I appreciate:
DeleteObserving commonalities: Highlighting the similarities between Anna and Simeon's encounters with Jesus emphasizes the theme of recognizing the Messiah and fulfilling prophecy. It reinforces the significance of Jesus' birth and the divine guidance surrounding it.
Reflecting on God's favor: Your question about God's favor is crucial. Anna's life of prayer and sacrifice is one interpretation, suggesting devotion and obedience as potential paths to favor. However, God's favor is multifaceted and can manifest in diverse ways.
Uniqueness and vocation: Recognizing that you cannot replicate Anna's path is wise. Each person's journey is unique, leading to a distinct vocation and expression of God's favor. The challenge lies in discovering this unique calling and living it wholeheartedly.
Additional thoughts:
Internal vs. external paths: While Anna's outward expressions of faith are commendable, God's favor can also be rooted in inward qualities like love, compassion, and humility.
Discovering God's will: Finding God's will often involves a combination of inward reflection, outward action, and openness to God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and community.
Grace and effort: Remember, God's favor is ultimately a gift, not something solely earned through personal merit. Our efforts in prayer, service, and love are ways to cooperate with God's grace and manifest His favor in our lives.
Overall, your reflection prompts valuable introspection about finding our unique paths to serve God and experience His favor. Keep seeking Him through prayer, study, and living out your vocation with passion and dedication. Remember, there are diverse ways to express God's favor, and your unique talents and gifts are waiting to be discovered and used for His glory.