Anna: The Devoted Witness

Anna: The Devoted Witness

Anna – The Devoted Witness

Welcome back, truth-seekers, to another profound episode of the “Witness Series.” I’m your host, Fr. Veigas Dominic SVD, and today, we open the pages of the New Testament to encounter a remarkable woman, an elderly prophetess whose life was a testament to unwavering devotion and patient expectation.

In this ninth episode of Season 7, we turn our attention to Anna, “The Devoted Witness.” After a lifetime dedicated to prayer and fasting in the temple, God granted Anna the incredible privilege of recognizing the infant Messiah, enabling her to proclaim His arrival to a waiting world. Her story is a powerful reminder that sustained faithfulness, and a life of devotion can lead to divine encounters and a profound witness.

Anna’s life resonates with us today because it speaks to the power of a life wholly consecrated to God, lived in anticipation of His promises. Her witness reminds us that even in advanced age, our spiritual zeal can burn brightly, and our testimony can be vital in proclaiming God’s truth.

Today, we’ll unpack Anna’s life, her powerful message as a devoted witness, and how her example can inspire our commitment to prayer, worship, and watchful expectation of God’s redemptive work. Let’s get started.

Who was Anna?

(Sound of soft, ancient temple music, with a background of quiet, persistent prayer)

Anna, a prophetess, is introduced in Luke 2:36-37 with poignant detail: “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband for seven years after their marriage, and then became a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.”

Consider the depth of her devotion. Anna experienced marriage for only seven years before becoming a widow. Rather than retreating into despair or a life of ease, she chose a profound path of consecration. For decades – up to 84 years, though some interpretations suggest she was a widow for 84 years – she lived within the temple precincts, or at least spent virtually all her time there. Her life was defined by ceaseless worship, fasting, and prayer. She made the house of God her home, and seeking His face her constant occupation.

She embodied a deep, patient longing for God’s promised redemption for Israel. She was one of those faithful individuals described as “looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

Then came the pivotal moment. Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, as required by the Mosaic Law. As they entered, the aged Simeon, also filled with the Holy Spirit, took Jesus in his arms and blessed God, proclaiming Jesus to be the “salvation prepared in the sight of all nations” (Luke 2:30).

And just as Simeon finished, Anna, “at that very moment” (Luke 2:38), approached. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, and after a lifetime of devotion and watching, she too recognized the infant Jesus for who He truly was: the Messiah, the hope of Israel. Luke 2:38 continues: “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

Anna’s witness was not a private revelation; it was a public proclamation. To a select group of faithful individuals who, like her, were waiting expectantly for God’s promised redemption, she became an eyewitness, verifying and announcing that the long-awaited Savior had arrived. Her life of hidden devotion culminated in a moment of public declaration, a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness to those who diligently seek Him.

Jaksot(104)

Episode 10 Faithful and Creative Disciples of God

Episode 10 Faithful and Creative Disciples of God

Hello Dear Friends in Jesus, welcome to an exciting episode of 2 Minutes with the Lord. I'm your host, Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, and today, we explore a very unique topic: Creative and Faithful Disciples of God. Creativity and Discipleship. The book of Exodus 35:31-32 says "He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts..." This passage highlights how God endows individuals with creative skills and abilities. Creativity in faith isn't just about arts and crafts; it's about using our God-given talents in innovative ways to glorify Him and inspire others. Whether it's through music, writing, or any form of artistic expression, our creativity is a form of worship and a tool for spreading the gospel.

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Episode 09 Living Waters for Refreshing the Soul

Episode 09 Living Waters for Refreshing the Soul

Welcome to "2 Minutes with the Lord." I'm your host, Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD. In today’s episode, we reflect on the profound encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, as told in John Chapter 4. Living Waters. Jesus' request for a drink from the Samaritan woman sparks an unexpected and transformative dialogue. He reveals the truth of her life, leading her to confront her own reality. This story speaks to us even today. Imagine engaging in a deep conversation with a stranger in a bustling city. Like Jesus at the well, we meet people from diverse backgrounds. Each encounter, each story, has the potential to bridge gaps and offer new insights……..

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Episode 08 Let Your Light Shine Before Others

Episode 08 Let Your Light Shine Before Others

Welcome, dear listeners, to our eighth episode of "2 Minutes with the Lord." This is Season 2, and I'm your host, Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, and today we explore a profound topic: "Let Your Light Shine Before Others." The Light Within. Let's begin by understanding the significance of the light within us. In the Gospel of Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells us, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This verse reminds us that the light within us isn't meant to be hidden. It's a beacon of goodness that reflects God's glory. Picture yourself through an experience. Sometimes you may have taken a step with kindness and compassion, like a beacon. You might have shown that simple acts of love, like helping a neighbor in need, not only brighten someone's day but also glorify God through our actions. How can you share our light with others?

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Episode 07 The Compassion Chronicles: Lessons from Jesus

Episode 07 The Compassion Chronicles: Lessons from Jesus

Welcome, dear listeners, to a our new episode, "The Compassion Chronicles: Lessons from Jesus." I'm your host, Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, and today, we embark on a profound journey to explore the life and teachings of Jesus, the ultimate embodiment of compassion. The Compassion of Jesus. Let's begin by understanding the essence of compassion as demonstrated by Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew 9:36, it's written, "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Here, we witness Jesus' deep empathy and concern for those in need. His compassion was not limited by social status or circumstance; it embraced all.

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Episode 06 Setting God-Centred Goals

Episode 06 Setting God-Centred Goals

Hi and Welcome, dear listeners, to our new episode of "2 Minutes with the Lord." I'm your host, Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, and today, we journey to explore the transformative theme of "Setting God-Centered Goals." The Significance of God-Centered Goals. Let's begin by understanding the significance of aligning our goals with God's divine plan for our lives. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." This verse underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance in our goal-setting, acknowledging that His purpose ultimately prevails…..

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Episode 05 The Sacred Path of Being a Holy Family

Episode 05 The Sacred Path of Being a Holy Family

Welcome, dear listeners, to another meaningful episode of "2 Minutes with the Lord." I'm your host Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, and today, we take on a journey to explore the beautiful theme of "The Sacred Path of Being a Holy Family." The Sacred Foundation of Family. Let us begin by recognizing the sacredness of family as a divine institution. In Genesis 2:24 we find these words: "For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse reminds us that the family is designed by God Himself, and it carries profound spiritual significance.

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Episode 04 Walking in Holiness

Episode 04 Walking in Holiness

Welcome, dear listeners, to the fourth episode of "2 Minutes with the Lord." I'm your host, Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD and today, we embark on a spiritual uplifting journey to explore a topic. "Walking in Holiness." The Call to Holiness. The call to holiness is a central theme in the Bible and a divine invitation extended to each of us. When we talk about holiness, we’re referring to a state of being set apart for a sacred purpose, a life lived in accordance with God’s standards, and a heart transformed by His love.

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Episode 03 Becoming Prayer

Episode 03 Becoming Prayer

Welcome, dear listeners, to another soul-enriching episode of "2 Minutes with the Lord." I'm Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD and today, we embark on a transformative journey to explore a practical way of Christian living - "Becoming Prayer.” Let us begin by contemplating the profound impact of prayer in our lives. In St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians 4:6-7, we find these words of wisdom: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." These verses remind us that prayer is a conduit to God's peace, a transformative force that can calm our anxieties and bring us closer to Him. How can we transform our lives into a continuous prayer, an offering to the Divine?

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