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)
The figure of the aged prophetess, Anna, reminds me of all the wonderful women of faith in my life, but especially I’m reminded of my grandmother, Nanny. Nanny always had a large pocketbook (as she called her purse). In her pocketbook she carried a miniature photo album: S.O.G.W.P.I.P. (Silly Old Grandma With Pictures In Purse). This little album was filled with small pictures of her progeny which she would pull out whenever people were talking about their grandchildren. It was long before cell phones and Facebook—but my grandmother was prepared to talk about her grandchildren to all who would listen and show pictures too!
