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. (Lk 2:36-40)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123025.cfm
I love the story of Anna. She is in the Temple waiting for the Christ Child for years and years and years. How important are our elders. They have wisdom, perseverance, faith, aren’t afraid to speak their minds and know how to give thanks. Anna reminds me of my grandmother, Minnie Goetting Torp (1906-1987), who taught me the stories of Jesus. https://youtu.be/deJj1ovPfrQ?si=otDff6kt5pkr9gHL
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas, December 30
