We know nothing about Simeon and Anna before or after their appearance in Luke's Gospel. They are among those who appear briefly in the unfolding of God's plan, and whose names are inscribed in our memories.
Anna will leave the scene without a word of hers having been recorded. All we are told is that she "gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all."
Giving thanks to God is the best thing we know how to do. We don't have all the answers. We don't know all the why's - let alone the how's of God's great plan. What we do know is that this child, who becomes a grown man, who dies on the cross, who goes through death to the other side, will bring about the redemption of all creation.
Anna died before God's great project was finished. We probably will too.
In a world that often tends toward pessimism, we would do well to imitate the strong hope and thankfulness of this woman named Anna.
- Little Blue Book, December 30