Luke 2:36-40

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.

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am so grateful that I don’t need to wait to encounter you. You are right here waiting to fill me with love and shower me with your grace, so I can lift my heart and my mind to you. Free me from distractions and remove all obstacles that will keep me from encountering you in this moment. Fill me with a desire only for you. This time is ours.

Encountering Christ:

1. Persevering Spirit: Anna persevered with incredible trust and hope and patience. In fact, her spirit was strengthened over time by her waiting. The Lord is at work in our souls even when we don’t see or feel him. He has called us to live a specific mission. Does it sometimes feel like so much time has gone by that we’ve forgotten that initial zeal and desire to live for the Lord? Let us ask the Lord for the grace to persevere like Anna and serve him with a fresh heart and a new attitude, starting today.

2. Fasting and Prayer: Anna worshiped with fasting and prayer. She spent her life detaching from the pleasures of the material world in order to draw closer to the Lord in every moment. What keeps us from drawing close to the Lord? To what material goods are we attached? What can’t we live without? With fasting and prayer, these obstacles, large or small, will disappear as we draw, perhaps imperceptibly, each day closer to the Lord. 

3. Sharing the Good News: As soon as Anna encountered Jesus, she could not contain the joy in her heart. “She spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Those who knew her had witnessed her spending every moment in the temple. She had a reputation for fidelity, faith, and hope. When she spoke of Jesus, they believed her because she had earned their trust by her witness. Like Anna, we desire to share the joy in my heart that comes from knowing the Lord and we want to be trusted by those in our lives. What is our witness to family and friends? 

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, strengthen my resolve to persevere in the mission to which you have called me. Remind me of that initial zeal and desire, and increase my faith and hope so that I may bring the joy of knowing you to all of my relationships and encounters with others.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will fast from one small pleasure, offering the sacrifice for the souls you have entrusted to me.

For Further Reflection: Catechism of the Catholic Church n.1434, “The Many Forms of Penance in Christian Life.”