had about forty days Jesus and Mary and Joseph took him to the temple because it was presented to the Lord and to offer at the same time, the sacrifice of purification for Mary, as required by law. Can not afford to offer a lamb, they brought two doves or two pigeons, that was the sacrifice of the poor (if Mary was conceived without sin, as taught by the official Church, should not offer any sacrifice of purification. Jesus was truly holy and without sin ever offered the sacrifices prescribed by the law of Moses).
While they were in the temple, a man of God, Simeon, to whom God had revealed to him that would not have died if he had not seen before the Messiah, took the baby and thanked the Lord, proclaiming that the child would have been the salvation of Israel, the light of the world and the glory of God's people also added that it would be cause for salvation and the courts and which the deepest thoughts of individuals would be revealed through Him (Luke 2:29-35).
Mary and Joseph marveled listened without understanding the meaning of those words. They had already dimenticatp what the angel Gabriel had said and what God had revealed to Joseph in a dream?
Then he approached his parents with a child a woman of eighty years, Anna. She was a widow and was in the temple day and night to pray, fast and serve the Lord. She had lost her husband after seven years of marriage and since then he had devoted his life to the Lord. It does not seem that he had children.
I have already said, be a widow is never easy. But in those days, was actually serious. If there were no children or relatives to lean on, the state no measures no help to the widows and also what commanded in their favor the law of Moses was neglected. This much is clear from several passages of the Old Testament and also the recommendations of the Apostle Paul to the church, regardless of their assistance.
But Anna was not discouraged. His confidence was in God and God spoke to her in a special way. In fact, it is called "prophetess", an epithet reserved for those who receive targeted messages from the Lord. Together with Simeon praised God for the arrival of that special child and talked with everyone. In this
, Anna can be seen as the first evangelist. What has he said?
do not know, but probably will cited the promises contained in the book of Isaiah, saying that they were finally fulfilling: "A child is born to us ... us a son is given ... the government will be on his shoulders will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace ... ". What a beautiful message!
There is much to learn from her.
His age not discouraged.
His condition is not the limitation.
praised God: the old complain very little and cheer. Often find it difficult to count their blessings and notice and enumerated above their difficulties.
Anna spoke of him to everyone looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
She had only seen a little of forty days. We know the whole story of Jesus, his life, his death and resurrection. We know his plan of salvation and we have the sure hope of his return. How well do we speak?
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