Mary Has a Role in Jesus’ Saving Mission (II)

Simeon's prophecy is followed by the meeting with the prophetess Anna: "She began to praise God, and spoke of the child to all who were looking forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem" (Lk 2:38). The faith and prophetic wisdom of the old woman who nurtures the expectation of the Messiah by "serving God night and day with fasting and prayer" (Lk 2:37), offer the Holy Family a further incentive to put their hope in the God of Israel. At this particular moment, Anna's behavior would have appeared to Mary and Joseph as a sign from the Lord, a message of enlightened faith and persevering service. Beginning with Simeon's prophecy, Mary intensely and mysteriously unites her life with Christ's sorrowful mission: she is to become her Son's faithful coworker for the salvation of the human race.