An old woman is given to us as a model of discipleship. She had moved beyond the past and looked to a new future. There was no looking back with regret with what life has brought her. She had grown strong and was filled with wisdom.

????In a few words we are given a summary of her life – her name, her father’s name, her tribe and her long life as a widow. What stands out more than all of those is the quality of her life, especially her faith.

????There is no mention of her challenging life with all its losses. She is old but full of hope and She is a model of waiting, fasting, praise, recognising, and of prayer. The life of Anna was hidden away in the temple. Anna never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day.

????We must value the hidden quality of prayer. What each one is interiorly unknown to anyone else is of vital consequence to God. Let us never doubt the value of ‘wasting time’ hidden with God the Father. We are to put God first in our lives.

????Jesus tells us that it is no harm to live quietly, and to allow time for God's favour to be upon us. Let our prayer draw strength from God and seek the fidelity of Anna in welcoming and presenting Jesus to those around us. God bless!