Mary and Anna

Today's Gospel recounts the meeting of Anna, the aged prophetess whose whole widowhood was spent in the temple, and Mary, the young mother carrying her newborn Son.  Age and youth encounter each other; Anna's decades of prayer and patient waiting were rewarded, and, like Simeon, she gave thanks and spoke to others about the redemption that this child would bring. Her words, no doubt, brought reassurance to Mary, but also hearing them from this older woman must have been an inspiration to her of the need for and power of patient prayer.  Our answers do not come in an instant, and when they do come, it is almost always at the most unexpected time and in an unanticipated way.  Little did Anna know that morning when she awoke and began her usual routine or prayer and greeting people, that this young woman and child of promise would appear that day, yet her years of prayer prepared her to see what others longed to see, but never did.  As we continue to observe the Octave of Christmas, may we find the perseverance and patience of Anna, and be ready to receive the surprise appearances of Jesus today.
Bro. Rene