Luke 2:22-40

Reflection

Joseph and Mary take Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord, as was custom. While there, they encounter Simeon and Anna, two older, devout Jews who are granted to know that Jesus is the Messiah. They praise God for being able to see the Savior.

We can learn the lesson and virtue of patience from Anna and Simeon. Faithful to the Lord, they were blessed to see Jesus, even if it had taken most of their lifetime to occur. We, too, can pray for something that may not be answered for many years. In those instances, we must have faith and trust that God will deliver in his perfect timing.

Patience can be hard to obtain, especially in our fast-paced society. But the rewards are almost always richer and more fulfilling when we do have patience (in all aspects of our lives) and let God’s timing become our own. Pray for an increase in faith and patience, trusting in God’s fidelity.

Saint of the Day

St. Joan de Lestonnac: 1556 – 1640

St. Joan de Lestonnac was a Frenchwoman who was married and had four children. After her husband’s sudden death, she joined a Cistercian monastery, but eventually founded her own congregation. Many miracles occurred at her tomb after her death. St. Joan, pray for us!