December 30, 2017 Saturday in the Octave of Christmas

1 John 2:12-17

Psalm 96

Luke 2:36-40

Whoever does the will of God remains forever.  1 John 2:17

…she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all…  Lk. 2:3

Lord, we all know people whom we admire because of their appearance, intelligence, strength or ability.  We look up to, maybe even envy, the very successful people in our world.  Today you remind us that all those qualities are temporary and will change or fade with time.  Only following the will of God is eternal.  Being obedient and humble before our God is the key to “success” in this world and the one to come.  Anna, the old woman in the temple, was one of the first to proclaim the good news of your entry into our world.  She was, along with the shepherds, Magi, and Simeon, the first evangelist.   She was able to see with the eyes of faith what many others in the temple did not see.  This was possible because Anna was completely dedicated to living the will of God.  Lord, I pray today for the eyes of faith.  May I see you in people, places and situations where you are present.   I also pray for the grace to live God’s will every day of my life.  Amen.