Daily Catholic Lectio
Mon, 30 Dec ‘24
VI Day in Christmas Octave
1 John 2:12-17. Luke 2:36-40
Daughter of Phanuel
In Luke’s Gospel, the story of the infant Jesus being presented in the Temple shines a light on two devout figures: Simeon and Anna. While Simeon’s prophecy is often highlighted, Anna’s witness provides an equally beautiful example of steadfast faith and perseverance. Her brief appearance in the Gospel offers timeless lessons for our spiritual journey.
(a) The Heart of Faithful Devotion
Anna “never left the temple but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer” (Lk 2:37). This single line conveys a lifetime of faithfulness. Although her husband died long ago, Anna did not allow grief or hardship to extinguish her love for God. Instead, her pain became a pathway to deeper communion with the Lord. She reminds us that devotion is nurtured when we make time for God even in life’s darkest seasons.
(b) Recognizing Christ in Daily Life
Because Anna’s heart was turned toward God, she recognized the Messiah the moment she saw Him. Her story invites us to ask: Where do I set my heart’s focus each day? It is easy to become distracted by daily responsibilities or burdens, but Anna’s example encourages us to cultivate a daily posture of prayer. By doing so, we are more likely to recognize God’s presence—even in the seemingly ordinary moments of life.
(c) Proclaiming the Good News
Anna “spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem” (Lk 2:38). Despite her advanced age, Anna became an evangelist of hope. This prophetess did not keep her experience to herself. Instead, she joyfully proclaimed the news of Jesus to anyone willing to listen. Like Anna, we, too, are called not only to receive God’s revelation but to share it. When we truly encounter Christ, that joy naturally overflows into a desire to make Him known.
‘Phanuel’ means ‘face of God.’ ‘Phanuel-Anna’ would mean ‘Face of God is Mercy.’ At incarnation, we see the ‘face of God’. We are invited to recognize the face of God in each other.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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