"There was also 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, 37and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.38And 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." - Lk. 2:36-39
Potentially, Anna waited near 60 years. 60 years of worship in the temple. 60 years of turn to the presence of God while grieving her husband and marriage. 60 years is a long time to wait. How remarkable it is then that the Lord was faithful to her waiting. Anna, the prophetess, gazed upon the baby Savior. Anna takes the Christ child into her arms. Anna experienced Him who truly was worth waiting for.
In this reflection, I would like to thank the many men and women of our Diocese who faithfully choose to rely on the Lord. We are blessed with the lives of many who have for many years drawn near to the Lord. I think of my grandmother and others like her, who in the midst of difficulties, sorrows, moments of fear or not understanding, opted to wait upon the Lord. Thank you for your witness. Thank you for your fidelity. Thank you for being like Anna and Simeon.
Who has been an inspiration of faithfulness to the Lord in your life?
Lord, bless all those who serve as models of faithfulness in our Diocese.
Did You Know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
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