The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Today's Mass Readings

Today’s gospel reading is a simple reading that has one more prophetess confirm the identity of Jesus as the redeemer (Lk 2: 38). Don’t let the simplicity dupe you though. The names associated with Anna’s brief genealogy (Luke 2:35) is an important detail. Anna is a variant of Hannah and it means “favoured grace.” Anna was the daughter of Phanuel meaning, “face of God,” and she was from the tribe of Asher meaning “fortunate.” Why is Luke giving us these details? Because Luke believes in divine reversals! Hannah in the Old Testament book of Samuel was the ‘barren one,’ who gave birth to Samuel. Mary’ s canticle praised God because He had “favoured the lowly” and “sent the rich away empty.” Asher, the tribe Hannah belonged to, was the last of the tribes of Israel. Thus, the names suggest that the divine reversals are continuing.

There are those who are “poor in spirit,” who are “fortunate” to receive God’s “favoured grace,” and see the “face of God.” This reading is so relevant in our times of economic woes. It seems that the rich and the powerful have had thier way whereas the poor and working class are barely making a living. But God always favors those who have God as their refuge. Divine reversals continue and God's help will come to those who call upon him.

Let us pray that we will be favoured by God’s grace too. As we conclude this reflection, let us put ourselves in the presence of God. In deep silence let us keep praying many times over, "Father, Let your grace be in me."

- Fr. Satish Joseph