St.. Luke begins his account of the infancy of Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem; the angel announces the birth of John to Zechariah. He brings his account to a close as Mary and Joseph take the Child to the temple, “to present him to the Lord.” Two old people representing the Jewish people, Simeon and Anna, meet the Child. Simeon joyfully takes the Child in his arms. “Now you can dismiss your servant in peace, Lord, because my eyes have seen your salvation.” No temple priests, no officials, no angels, just two old people meet the Child.
Anna, an 84 year of temple regular and a widow after being married for only seven years, also sees the Child. “Coming forward at the very time,” Luke says, “she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”
The Lord comes to the 84 year old woman, to Simeon, to Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah, the shepherds in the hills, the wise men from afar. He comes to all.
Anna gives thanks at the sight of the Child and speaks about him to everyone she meets. At 84, she becomes an apostle.
It ain’t over till it’s over.
Dear Fr. Victor: Thank you for your beautiful reflection. It’s so wonderful that
God speaks to/through an inn keeper’s compassionate wife, shepherds, old people, wise travelers who follow a star, and to those who still watch and
listen for His Beloved Son two thousand-plus years later.
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and pray that you will be happy and healthy in the coming Year of Our Lord, 2016. Ted & Gloria
Thanks for reminding me that I am in good company as an “old” messenger of the Good News!
This Gospel reminds me that faithfulness in “showing up” for the Lord is how I witness to faith.
There’s a book titled “The Gift of Years” by S.Joan Chittister,OSB that encourages using our gifts no matter what age we are. New born or oldster we are favored by God.