Anna’s Witness!

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

1 Jn 2:12-17; Lk 2:36-40

Today’s Gospel highlights prophetess Anna’s witness in her manner of receiving Jesus. 

Anna was known as a prophetess. But her personal life reveals the loss she suffered early on in her life. When she became a widow at a young age, she did not grow bitter. Instead, she turned to God and found her refuge in the temple, so ‘she never left it.’ 

The loss could have turned her into a disgruntled woman. However, Anna chose the path of prayer and spirituality, allowing the God experience to shape the rest of her life. She did not withdraw from life. Instead, she drew closer to God to find peace and joy. 

Moreover, Anna was full of hope with regard to God’s promises. This is what helps her find Jesus when he is brought to the temple to be offered. Her life, shaped by prayer and piety, could intuit the Redeemer’s presence in the temple. The one who led an earnest life could recognize the Savior in his humility and hiddenness. 

Finally, it is written of Anna that ‘She spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.’ The statement underlines the truth that God’s revelation is not forced upon anyone. It is perceived by all who await in hope and earnestness. This is why, while others could see a young mother and her child, Anna could see the Redeemer and his holy mother.

Anna helps us realize that for a hopeful and grateful heart, not all is lost even when life may treat us harshly.

Anna is an example that when God is with us, we gain our life back, though it gives the impression that we have lost everything. 

Learning from Anna, let us pray that we may turn to God in our joy and misfortune to continue to find ourselves in God’s embrace. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar