Prophetess Anna and the Birth of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season:   Tuesday* 

*Gospel :  Luke 2:36-40*

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

*Responsorial Psalm : 96:7-10*

*Prophetess Anna and the Birth of Jesus*

*1) Who Is Anna?*

Anna is described as: A prophetess, From the tribe of Asher (one of the “lost” northern tribes), An elderly widow

Someone who never left the Temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer day and night

She represents a life of faithful waiting and deep attentiveness to God.

*2) The Connection Between Anna and the Birth of Jesus*

Anna meets Jesus not at Bethlehem, but in the Temple, the heart of Jewish worship. This is significant:

Jesus is brought to the Temple according to the Law

Anna recognizes him as the one who brings redemption to Jerusalem

Her recognition mirrors Simeon’s, forming a twofold witness (male and female)

This shows that Jesus’ identity is revealed not through power or spectacle, but through spiritual discernment.

*3) Great Truths about the Birth of Jesus*

*A) Fulfillment of Hope*

Anna represents Israel’s long waiting for salvation. Her recognition of Jesus shows that:

God keeps His promises

The Messiah arrives quietly, but decisively

True hope is sustained through prayer and faithfulness

*B) Inclusion of the Marginalized*

Anna is: A woman, Elderly, A widow

Yet she becomes one of the first evangelists, speaking about Jesus to all who were waiting for redemption. This highlights:

God’s valuing of those society may overlook

The important role of women in God’s saving work

*C) Continuity Between Old and New*

Anna stands at the crossroads of history:

Rooted in Israel’s traditions

Pointing toward the new work God is doing in Christ

She shows that Christianity does not reject the past but fulfills it.

*4) Great Lesson from Anna*

Anna teaches us how to recognize God’s work:

*Faithful waiting* – she did not abandon hope despite long years

*Prayerful attentiveness* – her life was oriented toward God

*Joyful proclamation* – once she recognizes Jesus, she speaks about him

She reminds us that spiritual insight often comes from patience, not urgency.

*5) Reflections for Today*

*A) God Often Speaks to the Faithful, Not the Famous*

Anna was not powerful or prominent, yet she saw what others missed.

Question: Am I cultivating a life attentive enough to notice God’s quiet work?

*B) Waiting Is Not Wasted Time*

Anna’s decades of prayer were not meaningless—they prepared her to recognize Christ.

Question: How do I understand waiting seasons in my own life?

*#) Encounter Leads to Witness*

Anna does not keep her experience private; she speaks about Jesus.

Question: When I recognize God at work, do I share that hope with others?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*