RBWords

     Anna seems to be the ultimate "church mouse."  She was a "prophetess" and a widow.  Put together, those two characteristics meant that she enjoyed respect and was also dependent on the kindness of others.  Widows were always considered to be among the most vulnerable in the society of Jesus' time, largely because there would be no male figure to protect.  Her presence in the infancy narrative continues the theme of the revelation of Jesus' birth to those who were the least in society.  The other important person in this story is Simeon, who, like many others in the Gospel According to Luke, is guided by the Holy Spirit to come to encounter Jesus.

     All of this goes to remind us that every character in the infancy narratives of Luke and Matthew is important because they represent themes that will appear in the story of Jesus' ministry, death and resurrection.  Anna does what every disciple is called to do.  She speaks about the child "to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem."  Simeon's canticle speaks of a "light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel."  This speaks to the scope of the kingdom to be proclaimed by Jesus and then by the disciples under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

     If we put away the nativity scene until next year, we may be removing an important symbol of our faith from our view.  Jesus did not simply die and rise again, he was BORN.  The various Angels, Elizabeth, Zechariah, John the Baptist, the shepherds, the Magi, Simeon and Anna all join in proclaiming that truth - the "Incarnation."   The figurines and stable are put away, but we aren't.  We have received the same revelation and the Holy Spirit will guide us to proclaim, CHRIST IS BORN!  AMEN