Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

“There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” -Luke 2:36-40
 
What did Anna see that others could not? God made her for a purpose: to announce the birth of the Redemer. Was it prayer and fasting that brought her to her purpose, or did God’s plan for her bring her to prayer and fasting?
 
Either way, worshiping with prayer and fasting was part of her destiny. God, likewise, has made each of us for some purpose. And, like Anna, worship through our prayer and fasting are part of that plan. What will we see that others will not?
 
As the new year approaches, and while we still celebrate the Octave of Christmas, may we plan to spend more time in the Father’s house and offer more time for prayer and fasting in our resolutions for the coming year.
 
Merry Christmas!
 
Saint Anysia of Salonika, pray for us.
 
Click on the link for the Daily Reading.
 
Jesus, I trust in you.