Word to the Wise
Saturday, December 30, 2017 - Dec. 30 - 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas
[1 John 2:12-17 and Luke 2:36-40]SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2017 SIXTH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS [1 John 2:12-17 and Luke 2:36-40] There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven ears with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eight-four....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. [Luke] A second figure appeared in the story of the "Presentation in the temple." She is a prophetess and she recognizes that Jesus is no ordinary child. The circle of recognition widens from the shepherds and Magi to those who are devout Jews in the temple. We are told that Anna "spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem." In short, she was like the shepherds who proclaimed what they had seen and heard. The proclamation of Jesus' birth is our challenge as well. We see and hear with the eyes and ears of faith. The message is not meant to be hoarded in the heart, but understood and proclaimed to all. Simeon and Anna are giving us examples of this. This story will form the gospel scripture for this coming Sunday. We have now been introduced to the main characters and can celebrate their faith and express our own. Christ is born! AMEN