The prophetess Anna recognized the Christ child.


Wednesday, 12/30/ 15

Today’s Gospel gives us a lady named Anna. St. Luke informed us that her father’s name was Phanuel, and he was of the tribe of Asher. Anna, having been married for seven years when she was young, lived on alone until she was eighty-four.

Luke tells us that she was a prophetess, and that implies that she at times spoke for God. Anyway, she came to the temple every day of her life; and when she saw the child Jesus, she immediately recognized him, and she went on to speak about him to all who would listen.

Several years ago, in speaking to the grade school children at Mass, I told them that the old people who come to Mss every day are very close to God; but some of the kids protested, saying, “Those people don’t like us.”

Whatever. Jesus said, “The first will be last, and the last will be first.” In heaven we will see whether it is the kids or the old ladies who will come in first. Are any of you putting your money on our archbishops?

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