God took care that our Saviour’s nativity should be fully attested. To the testimony of the angels, the wise men, the shepherds, Simeon, here is added another. It is that of Anna, who is described here by her tribe and by her father. This prophet¬ess spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. God said that Jerusalem is “the city which I have chosen Me to put My name there” (1 Kings 11:36). God’s Name is forever linked to Jerusalem. It is “the city of the great King” (Ps. 48:2). This King is not just born of flesh but begotten by the power of Holy Spirit.

With one day to go in the year 2020 perhaps we all faced more challenges in 2020 than the total of all challenges we have faced in our lives prior to 2020. I believe many of us are happy it is coming to an end and hope 2021 to be a better year. Although many do not want to reflect on 2020, may I suggest that we reflect on it and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in doing a self-evaluation. Did we mature in our journey with the Lord in 2020. Just as we faced challenges during the year, we had many opportunities to grow in our spiritual¬ity, family bonding, charity and in many other areas. How did we respond to these opportunities? Have we been able to grow closer to the Lord and be able to make him the centre of our lives? Or did worry, anxiety, fear and sickness take precedence over making the Lord the number one in our lives?

We have just celebrated Christmas in an environment created by a global pandemic which is a different experience and feeling. While some are out of lockdown others are still in lockdown and feeling like we are not free. For many they are still living with no job, stress caused by financial hardships, anxiety caused by separation from loved ones…the list will go on. Today’s Gospel proclamation tells us how St Joseph and the Blessed Mother helped our Lord Jesus to discern the Will of the Father against the craving of the flesh. Can we also be determined to follow the example of our Lord Jesus to mature ourselves and hear the voice of the Father.

Prayer: Abba Father, we humbly ask your grace to be able to discern Your will in our lives so that we may remain in you forever. Amen