Extract
Anna was an old and devout woman. For eighty-four years she visited her local Temple every day to pray and fast.
When Anna saw Mary and Joseph with the child Jesus in the Temple, she approached them and, “Began to give thanks to God and to speak about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem”. (Luke 2:38)
Thought
The reward of faith is joy.
Before Anna met Mary, Joseph and Jesus, her faith was lifelong; now her joy is eternal!
Reflection
Lord Jesus, give me the strength to persevere in my faith, regardless of any storm that surrounds me.
Prayer: All Needs
We beg you, Lord,
to help and defend us.
Deliver the oppressed.
Pity the insignificant.
Raise the fallen.
Show yourself to the needy.
Heal the sick.
Bring back those of your people who have gone astray.
Feed the hungry.
Lift up the weak.
Take off the prisoner’s chains.
May every nation come to know that you alone are God,
that Jesus is your child,
that we are your people,
the sheep that you pasture. Amen.