The Child Grew and Became Strong

ro

 

  Luke 2:36-40

 Recognizing the Messiah

³⁶ There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷ and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. ³⁸ Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

³⁹ When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. ⁴⁰ And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

As we come toward the end of the Octave of Christmas we see and hear Anna, a holy woman who prayed, fasted and lived in the temple for decades, giving thanks to God for this child whom she recognized as the Savior. Can we fathom her joy and enthusiasm as she beheld this child?  Similar to Simeon, she could say, "Now Lord, you may dismiss our servant for I have seen the salvation promised to the house of Israel." (Lk 2: 29-32). She models for us a prayerful stance, a union with God in her daily life that gave it meaning. In following her example, we too, like Jesus, will become strong, filled with wisdom and the grace of God.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, grant me the grace and patience to allow Jesus to form me into a true disciple who recognizes him and presents him to others. Amen