The greatness of Prophetess Anna

Gospel Thoughts*

*Christmas Season : C Cycle*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 2:36-40*

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

*The greatness of Prophetess Anna*

*1) The Person of Anna*

First of all Anna means *Grace*. Accordingly God's grace was upon her, that is why she became the prophetess. 

She not only had God's grace, she also became a graceful woman wnerever she lived. 

Above all she was able to live for 84 years, and still she was very active and creative in her approach. 

*2) Anna at 84 years*

This figure is very important because, a few things are mentioned which she was doing at the age of 84. 

First of all 84 years of age is not a simple thing. At this age, she is still active in doing lot of things 

She was all the time found in the temple. She never left the Temple

She spent her time in prayer and worship day and night 

She fasted all the times, to keep up the spirit of prayer 

She came forward to praise and thank God

She spoke good about the Child with whomever she met 

Anna was very positive and courageous woman, which kept her active and creative 

These are some of the spectacular things which Anna was doing at the age of 84. 

*3) Age was not a barrier for her Spirit*

She was 84 years of old, but her spirit was very young 

The way she was doing all these things made her more young than old. 

Age didn't become a hurdle for her spirit in spending time in prayer and doing good work 

Hardly she complained about her situation or about her age. 

She was comfortable at this age and she was very enthusiastic in doing her daily works

*4) Anna is a model for us to keep our spirit Young*

Anna was very young in her spirit, even though she was at 84 years of her life

Some times even at the young age, the spirit becomes old, and unable to perform any activities. 

One should never allow the spirit to become old. 

One whose spirit remains young, he/she always remains young in his/her life. 

We need to learn from Anna how to keep our spirit Young at all times. 

*5) How is my Spirit?*

First of all in the area of spiritual things: How is my spirit. Is it old or still Young?

What are the things which make my spirit old and strengthless? 

What all things I can do to revive my spirit in doing various things? 

How old is my Spirit? 

*Is it young or old, or sick, bedridden??*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*