Perseverance rewarded
She never left the temple, serving God day and night in fasting and prayer (Lk 2:37)
There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. 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. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. (Lk 2:37)
God rewards Anna’s fidelity by allowing Anne to see and hear He who, in the past, kings and prophets wanted to see and hear, but never had the opportunity to in their earthly life. Thus, rewarding her perseverance, the Lord crowns her with His gifts. Let us therefore strive to persevere in fidelity to God, above all by being faithful to the duties of our state in life, so that we too may merit the gifts of God.
