The
Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord
(I John
2:12-17; Luke 2:36-40)
A writer
consults her wise, old uncle about what to do as a hurricane approaches. He
tells her to seek safety and then write about her experience. Another woman remembers her mother telling
how to cope with uncertainty. The elder
said to “always proceed as if there will be enough.” In today’s gospel a wise, old woman shares
her insight about what she sees before her.
Anna, who
almost lives in the Temple, represents ancient Israel. She stands in contrast to Jews of a generation
later who will call for Jesus’ death on a cross. Anna recognizes that Jesus is the fulfillment
of God’s promise to Israel. He is the one
who will win Israel’s freedom. At the same
time he will lead all people to Israel to learn how to live in peace.
As Anna had
prophetic foresight, we should not lose our correct hindsight. Jesus comes from God to save us from our
folly. He teaches us to avoid the
pitfalls that imprison people in their own desires. He gives himself in the Eucharist to enable
us to act with justice.
