We are going to take a pause in our discoveries in this series for Christmas, we are shortly entering into Advent, where we prepare ourselves to understand and walk into the light of the Christmas message through Matthew and Luke.
When we consider Anna in the Temple, for 84 years preparing in prayer, fastings, adoration we see how much she was instrumental in preparing the way for the Messiah. The image above is purposeful because it shows us the context we are writing from in contrast with what Anna had there in that scenario of spiritual preparation. She had nothing, physically, and not sure if she had to hand the Scriptures other than memory from what was read to her.
Today we are privileged but disadvantaged also. We have a copy of the Scriptures in full, for which men gave their lives in sacrifice to translate the Scriptures. They died in the effort. Today there are so many editions.
We also have the opportunity of personal fellowship with like minded people also.
Yet for all this I have the impression that even with all this, I have far less than Anna in the Temple. Somehow she was able to succeed at the task set for her by God. It seems with all what I have I am not reaching my full potential in God. The more I have the less I appreciate, the less I appreciate the more the potential to be lazy in the spiritual disciplines.
I am not being dogmatic but that as I reflected today, I wondered how much I am putting to use in comparison to Anna. Is Anna passion far greater than mine in the pursuit of God and His ways? I suspect that is true. I welcome that assessment in that it keeps me humble and keeps me seeking.
So what did Anna have?
A Call
God summoned her from the depths of personal tragedy and heart-wrenching loss, ushering her into an audience with the Divine, into the sacred secrets of heaven, meticulously preparing her for the monumental transformations that awaited Israel and, ultimately, the world.
A Knowledge
She was irresistibly drawn into a profound understanding of the ways of God. When we embrace His wisdom, we find ourselves dancing in His presence, witnessing the miraculous wonders He performs. No longer are we groping in darkness, uncertain of His divine plans, nor are we passively hoping for blessings to grace our efforts. We stand firm in the exhilarating expectation of the great things ahead. Just as Christmas decorations begin to twinkle with promise, heralding the arrival of a joyful season as December approaches, so too does our spirit awaken to the unfolding of something magnificent in the spiritual realm.
A Intimacy with God
Eighty-four years of fervent prayer forge a profound intimacy with God, a sacred knowledge of how to dive deep into the essence of prayer. It’s heartbreaking how often we stumble, letting life’s chaos overshadow this vital discipline. We falter in the simple act of conversing with God, missing the focus, the discipline, and the clarity in our divine objectives. Just think of the countless goals God lays before us, waiting to be fulfilled! Through open dialogue, embracing His magnificence, we can cultivate a remarkable level of closeness. During a retreat I attended a few years ago, I discovered, through the enlightening writings of John of the Cross, three compelling pillars of prayer—before, beyond, above. It’s essential to hold this perspective, recognizing God as being before us in both time and eternity, surpassing our limited ways and thoughts, and standing lofty above all we aspire to. We must center Him in the heart of our endeavors. This journey is all about fostering a healthy perspective in our perception of the awesome Person of God.
All this occurs without the very essentials that nurture our spiritual life. In the midst of this, we are called to transform our value system. How much of modern thought have we permitted to shape our faith in accordance with cultural dictates? How often do we mistakenly believe we stand further along in our spiritual journey than those who fervently sought God in ages past? From the Scriptures, we witness the extraordinary feats they achieved, igniting a fervor within us to seek that same divine connection.
Perhaps in this digital age, having more often equates to being less. We may need to embrace a return to simplicity and unwavering honesty. In her deeply heartfelt prayers, Anna could have achieved far greater things than our elaborate building projects, preaching itineraries, and countless book writings.
May we reflect on this.
Maranatha!
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