Worship and Praise – Reflection on Luke 2:36-40
For most of her years, Anna lived what might now be considered a secluded monastic life of fasting and prayer. If you have visited a monastery or had an overnight retreat at one, you can sense the dedication of the men and women living there. Like Anna, they constantly worship and praise God for mercy and compassion. Their primary prayers ask God for favors on us and that we grow to become strong and wise like the child Christ did. They help us keep heaven within breathing distance. In this scriptural time of waiting for Jesus to begin his ministry, perhaps you could take a minute and bless them for what they do.
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Christmastide Reflections
Luke 2:36-40 – Scripture*
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
The Return to Nazareth
39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Luke 2:36-40 Reflection – Worship and Praise God.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Luke 2 Bible passage.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 2 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Worship and Praise