Age is not a barrier for the right Spirit

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : 30th December*

*GOSPEL - Lk 2:36-40*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 2:12-17*

*Age is not a barrier for the right Spirit*

*1) Anna was 84 years of old*

84 years of age is not a simple thing. It is something extraordinary age. 

Most of the people become inactive by 80 years. But Anna's spirit was very young at this age, so that she was very active in her life. 

Age never became a hurdle for her, in doing many things, including the various spiritual activities

*2) Anna's Spirit is very Young*

Even she was advanced in her age, her approach to life and other activities showed that, she was very young in her spirit

The various activities, which she was doing will tell us the youthfulness of her approach 

*A) She never left the temple*

Temple had become her house and she felt at home in the temple 

 

*B) In thr temple she was doing the following things* 

* worshiping night and day 

* Doing fasting and prayer.

 

*Thanking God for everything in life 

* Speaking good about the Child

*Waiting the redemption of Jerusalem

So these are the various things which would tell us how young her spirit was 

*3) Anna never complained about anything*

Even though she was 84 years of age, she never complained about anything 

We don't even find a slightest complaint about her age related problems in the Gospel

Instead of complains we see that she is thanking God for everything in life

*4) As a widow, Anna's Courage is tremendous*

The types of various activities, which are performed by this widow, at this age shows her tremendous courage towards life and various other activities

Her approach is a great inspiration to all of us 

*5) Age is only a number - It should not affect the Spirit of the Person*

It is said that *Age is only a number*

So this number should not take away our spirit of becoming young in our thinking, approach and in various other aspects of life. 

*6) Some die very Young*

Some people give up everything, at early age of thier life 

Some people become burden to everyone, at thier 30's or 40's. Such people are dead to their  good deeds and they do only harmful things than good things 

The death of the right spirit, enthusiasm, creativity, smile, positive approach, when one is still young is the greatest tragedy of life. 

If Anna could do many things at her 84 years of age, what about me? 

*Has my spirit become old?*

*Has my creativity become old?*

*Has my spirituality become old and outdated?*

*Is my vigour still young or not?*

*Anna is a great example for all of us to remain young in our spirituality, creativity, approach to life, thanking God, speaking good about others and doing for various things*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*