Reflection for Thursday, Dec. 30
Anna was extremely devoted to God, choosing to seclude herself in the temple, praying and fasting, day and night for over 70 years. However, upon the arrival of Jesus, her love and faith compelled her to engage with people once again. After publicly giving thanks to God, Anna shares her prophesy of Christ with her new community that was composed of “those awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem,” recognizing that we are better together than we are alone (Romans 12:4-5). Anna’s choice to engage with her community reveals the depth and maturity of her faith. The passage also demonstrates the role the community plays in the development of a strong child filled with wisdom.
When we isolate ourselves for what we may believe to be a noble or even a pious cause, we also may be undermining our individual potential, as well as that of our community. Anna’s emergence from her relatively solitary life in order to share her prophesy symbolizes how we are all made stronger and wiser when we engage, communicate, and love through our beloved community.
Carole Connolly