GOSPEL POWER - DECEMBER 30, 2020 - WEDNESDAY

Gospel: Lk 2:36-40

 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by 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.

REFLECTION

The Gospel of Luke recognizes the important role of women in the history of salvation and tries to maintain genderbalance in its cast of characters. Together with Simeon, Anna represents the old era that looks to the fulfillment of God’s promises and then rejoices upon seeing salvation breaking forth as the child Jesus is presented at the temple. Anna, being a woman, a widow, and advanced in years, typifies the poor of the patriarchal society of Israel. But far from lamenting her situation and retreating to the margins, Anna puts herself in the thick of things and becomes totally involved in what is going on. Thus, she attests that no one is excluded in the unfolding of the divine plan. God is inclusive and does not reject anyone on the basis of gender, status, age or any other humanly conceived category. For God is committed to the salvation of all.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, help us to see that in any season of our life we are called to be active participants in the realization of God’s plans. Amen.