1 John 2:12-17; Psalm 96; Luke 2:36-40
We must avoid the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, these are not of the Father but of the world. Thus, John reminds us on the need to remain faithful to God as the world is passing away. In line with this, the Gospel tells us of Anna’s faithfulness to God, she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four the Gospel says she remained in the temple praying and fasting. Beloved, anyone who wants to be faithful to God amidst present day distractions must learn to fast and pray. In prayer we are connected to God; while fasting separates us from the world. In prayer we do the Father’s will; while in fasting we renounce the world. Let us imitate Anna a champion of hope.
Let us pray
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that the newness of the Nativity in the flesh of your Only Begotten Son may set us free, for ancient servitude holds us bound beneath the yoke of sin. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
