THE WORD
1 Jn 2: 12–17 / Lk 2: 36–40
There was also 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.
IN OTHER WORDS
“Tengoku dorobo.” The first time I heard these words was from an old Japanese lady who happened to be bedridden. I was bringing her Holy Communion. “Tengoku” is the Japanese word for heaven. “Dorobo” means thief. This phrase usually refers to the good thief who was crucified with Jesus and whose repentance gained him eternal life. In a sense, he “stole” heaven. Sometimes the elderly in Japan refer to themselves as people who are “stealing” heaven. They somehow feel guilty about not being able to go to church and participate in any church activity. And because of this, they do not deem themselves worthy of heaven anymore.
I read a book once where it said: “Here is a test to tell whether you have completed your mission here on earth. If you are still alive, it isn’t.” I tell the same thing to the elderly or to any person who might feel that they are not doing anything for society or the Church. Our life of faith revolves around our relationship with God. Any real relationship with God will involve a genuine prayer life. And praying is something we can do even when we are sick and cannot move about. As a matter of fact, a lingering illness is an opportunity for us to offer it as a sacrifice for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for the community.
I used to visit my grandparents when I was a child and stay in their home. There were days when I would wake up very early and discover them already halfway through their morning prayers. It was an image that would stay with me for a long time and make me realize the importance of prayer in one’s life. This is, I think, an important lesson that the elderly can teach the young people.
In the Gospel today, Anna recognized our Lord precisely because of her daily routine of prayer and fasting. The more we pray, the more our hearts are attuned to the stirrings of the Spirit in us, making it easier for us to recognize the hand of God as He guides us in our lives. May prayer always be a part of your life.
- Fr. Chito Lorenzo, SVD (Japan)
The Word in other words 2015
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
