Steadfast in service
Today we meet Anna, a prophetess and widow, in the Gospel. St. Luke credits Anna: “…She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem….”
What did it mean to be a widow and prophetess in biblical times? Widows are often coupled with orphans and strangers (today we call biblical “strangers” immigrants, refugees, and asylees). In a patriarchal society, losing your husband was a double whammy: you were destined to a life on the social and economic margins. Prophetesses (and prophets) were folks close to the Lord and often asked to speak on his behalf to the local community; their message typically met with scorn. And, they could be quirky and countercultural.
We meet women (and men) today who are as devoted to our ministries as Anna was to prayer in the Temple. Angie was such a woman. She began volunteering at one of our local food pantries and no task was beyond her undertaking–checking people in, directing clients and volunteers, and even driving the forklift. I saw her every time I visited the pantry and attended her funeral with dozens of others who had been touched by her example of service for so many decades. Similarly, I think of Rosie (named changed to protect her identity), a former guest at one of our shelters who later became the most consistent laundry volunteer; you simply did not mess with Rosie in the laundry room!
The spiritual side of Anna the widow reminds me of a friend who wrote in her Christmas newsletter about adapting to life as a widow. After a career in geriatrics and parish social ministry, she had entered into a reflective and uniquely prayerful stage of life.
Is there an Anna in your life? Does the relationship between you and “Anna” impact your own practices of prayer and ministry?
Steve Herro is a brother of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere (Wisc.). He serves the Church as an archivist, trained spiritual director, shrine director, and freelance writer. His favorite church ministries over his lifetime were as a diocesan social action director and CCUSA staff in the mission and ministry department.