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.

luke 2:37-38

Luke 2:36-40

Reflection

While presenting Jesus at the temple, Mary and Joseph encounter Anna, a prophetess who lived at the temple, worshiping day and night. An old woman now, she gave thanks to God and told many people about the child Jesus.

In the text, it states that Anna was 84 years old, having lived in the temple for most of her life after her husband died. We can learn from Anna’s example of dedication and faith, admiring her wholehearted and lifelong commitment to God.

Do we have such dedication to the Lord? Many of our lives are busy, yet that shouldn’t stop us from making our faith the center of our lives. When we encounter Jesus like Anna did, do we let that encounter fill us and transform us?

Jesus wants us to give our whole life to him, which looks different for each person. Ask him for guidance on beginning down this path and giving your life to him completely.

---

Saint of the Day

St. Anysia: AD 284 – 304

St. Anysia was a wealthy woman from Thessaly who used her own money to help the poor. She was martyred when a soldier attempted to take her to a pagan sacrifice, and killed her when she resisted. St. Anysia, pray for us!