Reflection for Wednesday, Dec. 30
“Life is Difficult” is the opening line in the book The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, M.D. When I read this in the 1970s, my reaction was, “tell me something I don’t know!” In this book, Dr. Peck lays out what is difficult about life and then posits that what we need to make life easier has already been given to us. Finally, he lays out those methods.
Today’s first reading from 1 John 2:12-17 long precedes Peck’s observations and tells us pretty much the same thing. It’s a reminder that life is hard (he lists almost all of life’s temptations and sins). But John offers hope that is different from Peck’s. The hope that is ours through the forgiveness of our sins, made possible by Jesus! That body and soul we have been saved!! However, we have a part in the process too, and that is to follow the example of Jesus.
This is easier said than done. Especially this past year with all that has confronted us. I’m tempted to join the mantra of “goodbye 2020” as well. It has been dark and sad and painful. Sometimes it has been hard to feel loved and to be loving towards others and even towards God. There have been moments when it seemed there was no end in sight. This reading does show us that we can look back and recognize the grace and blessings that were all around us. So, keep your eyes on the prize John tells us. You have known all along you have been given what you need to survive these trials!
How can we do this? The Gospel today from St. Luke relates the story of Anna. Her name comes from the root “grace” our first hint of what’s to come. Luke 2:36-40 tells us of a woman, from the line of original prophets (it even gives her the title of Prophetess!). I personally find that accolade doubtful given the times but, being an old feminist, I’ll take it!
Anna married late in life and the marriage was a short one. Once widowed, a real hardship during that era, Anna manages that hardship through prayer and fasting in the temple. She devotes her life to God. Morning until night she prayed. In prayer, she must have found comfort and hope. She probably looked back on her life and recognized grace and blessings. Luke uses Anna as an example of how we can manage our challenges. Yes, we’re going to go on with our own life activities. Maybe like Anna we can set aside time with God. Maybe we can even devote our life to God. We can listen for God’s voice in our prayers. We can find hope in those prayers. Even in a time of pandemic.
But, Luke hasn’t finished with Anna yet! He tells us that in prayer she sees the birth of a male who comes to redeem. Her devotion has paid off. This is the hope she has been awaiting. Anna. Our example from so long ago on how to manage what we see as a hard life. We need that same hope now more than ever. Today we are reminded that it is there for the taking. Our part is to ask!
Kathy Parulski