Gospel: Luke 2:36-40
There was also a prophetess named Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. After leaving her father’s home, she had been seven years with her husband; and since then, she had been continually about the temple, serving God, as a widow, night and day, in fasting and prayer. She was now eighty­four. Coming up at that time, she gave praise to God, and spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.
When the parents had fulfilled all that was required by the law of the Lord, they returned to their town, Nazareth in Galilee. There, the child grew in stature and strength, and was filled with wisdom: the grace of God was upon him.

Reflections
“she gave praise to God.”
When I see aged people going to Church, I find myself seeking for the same strength. They lived their lives, survived its challenges, and preserved their faith. I wonder on their lives’ sto­ries but I am certain that their faith matured through time.
Looking at the readings, St. John counselled the followers of Jesus to hold unto him with per­ severance. In Christian Life, temp­tations abound and misleading teachings sprout. It is in this spirit that the apostle exhorts them to hold fast to the faith.
Like Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, who persevered until she saw Jesus, we are also in­vited to persevere in God’s love at all times and in all places. We pray that even in the most trying times, we would hold on to Jesus and trust in his merciful love.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2019