Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Luke 2:36-40
When I read in today’s Gospel that Anna was 84 and had been living in the Temple for years, I started to dig a bit. As it happens, she may have been widowed for 84 years, meaning she was more likely to be 105 years old.
After her husband died, Anna went to the Temple. That’s where she lived. Waiting.
Was she promised a view of the Savior, the Messiah? Luke doesn’t tell us. But she clearly expected something. She obviously had a reason for waiting.
Or did she?
Could it be that she was just hanging out with God in the time she had left? Might it be that Temple life beat out the life of a widow?
We don’t know.
I like to picture Anna, though, as a spry little figure, cheerful despite her aches and pains, injecting hope into every scenario.
Because the older I get, the more I find that the younger set is looking to the older folks for hope. And while I may or may not get it as I look to those older than me, I certainly appreciate it when I do. I embrace it. I want to emulate it.
Ponder:
How can you share hope with those around you today?
Pray:
Dear Jesus, You brought hope to so many. Let me be a beacon of Your hope to those I come into contact with today.
Copyright 2020 Sarah Reinhard
About the Author
Sarah Reinhard
When she’s not chasing kids, chugging coffee, or juggling work, Sarah Reinhard’s usually trying to stay up read just one … more … chapter. She writes and works in the midst of rural farm life with little ones underfoot. She is part of the team for the award-winning Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion, as well as the author of a number of books. Follow her writing at Snoring Scholar.
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