Daily Reflection – 12/30/19
Sacred Scripture
There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.( Luke 2:36-40)
Reflection
What’s beautiful about Anna’s response is that she did not keep her joy to herself. Rather, when she saw the Christ Child, she “spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” There is little doubt that her prophetic words were filled with joy and were also quite authoritative. She would have spoken as one who knew the truth of this Child and as one who eagerly wanted to tell everyone about Him.
Anna is an example of the type of prophet we are all called to be. Whenever we speak, we are being prophets of something or other. Are we prophets of the Good News?
We all have opportunities to speak about Jesus to those who are awaiting their Redeemer. When You encounter our Lord in your life of faith and prayer, do you then eagerly desire to share your faith with others? Perhaps it is by your words, but perhaps it’s more often by your witness.
Is there anyone in our family, church or community who is in anguish, longing for deliverance from their troubles? Every time we open our mouths, we have a decision to make. We can either speak good news or curses; encouragement or complaints. But we need to internalize that it is His wish that we take the path of good news. It is from our mouths that we can offer words of hope. It is our ears that can lead us to compassionately hear anguish and despair. It is our shoulders that can offer a place for a burdened head to rest. And it is our hands that offer friendship and give a sign of peace.
It is not difficult to be God’s prophet. All it takes is a desire to help. We have good news to share! We don’t have to be theologians to share it. By getting in touch with our own day-to-day need for the Savior, we can compassionately recognize the needs of others and respond with the gift of uplifting words that reveal Jesus’ saving power. And by peeking out of the shell of our own self-enclosed worlds to notice that others have an emptiness that is similar to what Jesus has healed in us, we can figure out what to say that will make a difference in their lives. In doing so, we will be pointing them toward their Redeemer so that they, too, will find his help.
The bottom line is that the true meaning of Christmas must be shared. It must be proclaimed far and wide so that all will understand the joy of the coming of the Savior of the World.
Prayer of The Day
Lord, may I always remember the reason for Christmas. May I always keep the joy of Your coming among us at the center of my celebration. You, dear Lord, are the greatest Gift ever given. I thank You for Your life and I pray that You will help me to share the Gift of Yourself with others. Jesus, I trust in You.
Daily Note
Reflect, today, upon Anna the prophetess. Try to imagine the joy in her heart as she spoke of this newborn King. And pray that her joy and prophetic example will inspire you to continually proclaim the Lord to all whom God puts in your path.
