[ Today's Readings ]
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
Anna definitely knows that "all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world." She isn't interested in that anymore. She is open to what God is doing.
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.
She is consumed by what God is doing. She can't help but celebrate it. But unlike Anna we can't live without leaving the temple. Our hearts often get distracted. If God's presence passes as near to us as it does to Anna we might miss it. It isn't hard if we aren't looking. Even when we notice it we don't celebrate it with the full sincerity of Anna's unbound heart.
We need, more than Anna, reminders of what we already know.
I am writing to you, children,
because your sins have been forgiven for his name’s sake.
I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have conquered the Evil One.
Even in the world we can recognize and celebrate the presence of God if we just build these reminders into our lives. The word of God, the Sacraments, and prayer, are where we experience them. When we let ourselves be reminded of the hope of Israel which we possess we share in Anna's joy.
But whoever does the will of God remains forever.
Embracing the word makes us steadfast against the temptations and distractions the world offers. Embracing the word is the only source of lasting joy. It transforms us from idle bystanders to people who worship in Spirit and truth.
Bring gifts, and enter his courts;
worship the LORD in holy attire.
Tremble before him, all the earth
No comments:
Post a Comment