Which Prophets Do We Listen To?

30Dec
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 for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 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.

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him.”
-Luke 2:36-40


Luke places Simeon and Anna, two devout, elderly prophets, as the first to recognize Jesus in the temple. Simeon, who lived in Jerusalem, was an ordinary man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon recognized him as the Savior. Simeon took Jesus in his arms, declaring he could depart in peace because he had seen God’s salvation, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for the people of Israel. 


Anna, an Asherite Hebrew, spent her lifetime in the temple having worshiped day and night, even fasting there. She instantly recognized Jesus. She proclaimed him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.  


The appearance of Jesus in the Temple is celebrated on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as the Candlemass. This is the moment in time when Jesus was named the Messiah by Simeon and Anna. They were discerning and wise, and proclaimed Him as our Lord and Savior. Because of their devotion, they could see the Messiah. They listened to the word of God and were illumined by his light.  


What prophets do we listen to? Who do we invite to light the way for us? Is our devotion strong enough that we can hear the words of prophets and see Him in our midst? 


Musical Reflection - Hail to the Lord who Comes - John Ellerton - Newcastle Choir


We pray for the grace of Simeon and Anna, to learn discernment and wisdom, so that we can hear those who proclaim the true Savior and that we may see Him. Amen.

LightWisdomProphets

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