CLOSER TO GOD
The birth of a child draws many. Families gather around to dote over the newborn. Parents proudly boast of their blessing. Siblings get excited at the wonder of another brother or sister in their midst. It is certainly a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving. Similarly, the birth of Jesus draws many as well.
At the manger of Jesus’ birth, shepherds are drawn to witness the event proclaimed by the angels. Wise men come to adore the Christ King. People who may have passed by stop to look and admire the small child born to Mary and Joseph. Even in today’s Gospel, a holy woman, a prophetess, comes to visit the child. The Christmas story is beautiful as it brings out the best in us. Tidings of joy and happiness overflow. Gifts and offerings are brought to celebrate the newborn. Humanity is born again in the birth of the Incarnate Son.
Anna, whom we are introduced to in the Gospel, is a fascinating character. Luke informs us that she is a widow, 84 years old, a holy person offering prayers and fasting in service to God. We are reminded of the many holy men and women who work in our parishes. They are the ones who are always around assisting the priests. These are the people who are willing to serve in the ministries of the Church. They are the ones who have given their time and loyalty to their community. God continues to raise men and women outstanding in service.
Anna is able to prophesy over the Child because of her expectation of the Messiah. Many people in the time of Jesus were faithful Jews awaiting the coming of the Messiah, in expectation of the fulfillment of old Scriptures. We are also caught up in these times serving God, anticipating His second coming, awaiting His visitation to us again. Anna exemplifies to us the meaning of service to God — prayer and fasting. We fast and pray, serve and worship God so we might come closer to Him; to know Him more intimately and love Him more tenderly. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: CLOSER TO GOD
The birth of a child draws many. Families gather around to dote over the newborn. Parents proudly boast of their blessing. Siblings get excited at the wonder of another brother or sister in their midst. It is certainly a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving. Similarly, the birth of Jesus draws many as well.
At the manger of Jesus’ birth, shepherds are drawn to witness the event proclaimed by the angels. Wise men come to adore the Christ King. People who may have passed by stop to look and admire the small child born to Mary and Joseph. Even in today’s Gospel, a holy woman, a prophetess, comes to visit the child. The Christmas story is beautiful as it brings out the best in us. Tidings of joy and happiness overflow. Gifts and offerings are brought to celebrate the newborn. Humanity is born again in the birth of the Incarnate Son.
Anna, whom we are introduced to in the Gospel, is a fascinating character. Luke informs us that she is a widow, 84 years old, a holy person offering prayers and fasting in service to God. We are reminded of the many holy men and women who work in our parishes. They are the ones who are always around assisting the priests. These are the people who are willing to serve in the ministries of the Church. They are the ones who have given their time and loyalty to their community. God continues to raise men and women outstanding in service.
Anna is able to prophesy over the Child because of her expectation of the Messiah. Many people in the time of Jesus were faithful Jews awaiting the coming of th-e Messiah, in expectation of the fulfillment of old Scriptures. We are also caught up in these times serving God, anticipating His second coming, awaiting His visitation to us again. Anna exemplifies to us the meaning of service to God — prayer and fasting. We fast and pray, serve and worship God so we might come closer to Him; to know Him more intimately and love Him more tenderly. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: How can I be drawn to Jesus? In my prayer, service and worship, am I being drawn to a deeper love for the Lord?
Draw me into Your presence as I contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation — God becoming man for me. Amen.
Draw me into Your presence as I contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation — God becoming man for me. Amen.
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