FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION: PROPHETESS ANNA MEETS JESUS!
Having recently discovered this picture, I have absolutely fallen in love with the story of the Prophetess Anna as she meets the infant Jesus in the temple.
In fact, when I first saw this artwork, I thought it was Jesus’ grandmother, St. Anne, Mary’s mother! It made me think of so many grandmothers I have known or met as they react to their newborn grandchildren!
We are usually more familiar with the name Simeon, a “just and devout man,” and with art work that depicts him receiving the Holy Family in the temple as Mary and Joseph obey Jewish law on the purification of the mother after childbirth and the presentation of the child to God.
In researching artwork that portrays the Presentation, the overwhelming majority of paintings that I found (obviously not a rigorously scientific search!) depict Simeon but far fewer present Anna.
She is highlighted in Luke 2, 22-38, and Luke, in fact, is the only one of the four Evangelists to speak of the Presentation in the Temple.
The Feast of the Presentation, especially as it is celebrated today, Candlemas Day, with Masses worldwide for members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life for the 28th World Day For Consecrated Life, should bring joy to everyone.
So, let’s celebrate the Feast of the Presentation, our consecrated brothers and sisters and the prophetess Anna!
Here’s the behind-the-scenes story! https://lesteryocum.com/the-prophetess-anna-greets-the-christ-child/
PS. For many decades, especially under Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, this February 2 feast marked the end of the Christmas season in the Vatican and many parts of Rome and Italy and Nativity scenes were finally dismantled!
Joan's Rome 