Sometimes I find myself complaining about the aches and pains of old age and reminiscing about the ‘good old days’. In today’s reading, we meet Anna, an elderly widow who did not complain or dwell on the past. She was a prophetess in Jesus’ time and her circumstances were difficult. Widowed early, she may have felt purposeless and destitute. But her focus was on serving God and on the coming of the Messiah. Her waiting was rewarded when she saw Jesus in the arms of his mother. She gave thanks to God for this blessed experience and passed on the good news of his birth to  others.

  

Anna has set a good example for us to follow. Her life was focused on the Lord and the future. She was busily engaged in serving God. Like- wise, we can be future-oriented as we serve our Lord. Reminiscing can be meaningful and the afflictions of old age are disconcerting, but we can continue to look forward to Jesus’ promises for the future. Motivated by the hope that Jesus’ promises instil within us, we can be busy about God’s business – worshipping, witnessing and serving others – with an undaunted forward  look.

Prayer: God of encouragement, help us to take our eyes off our own difficulties and focus on your promises and future blessings for the world. Amen