BACKGROUND READING LUKE 2:22-38
AND Mark 12: 38-44

Anna’s story offers some background to the gospel story of the widow’s gift. It takes us beyond the story of a poor and destitute woman. Anna has not always been the poor woman of the gospel, struggling and doubting the faith that has sustained her for so long.
She once knew both material and spiritual security. She had a comfortable life, married with a family. A woman of faith, she’s a descendant of Anna the prophetess, who held the Messiah in her arms. She is called after that Great Aunt and remembers being taught the faith by her. Her faith was the centre of her life:
“The Temple, God’s Temple has been the centre of my life…Wherever I go the Temple is in the corner of my eye…reminding me that no matter what happens, God, my God, is right there with me.”
Then, everything suddenly changes. A mystery illness sweeps through the city, killing her parents, her sons and her husband. Post Covid this scenario touches us deeply, we can no longer dismiss it as something that was only a possibility in the distant past.
She’s left alone and poor. As age and poverty make her increasingly invisible to others she begins to question her faith. Her sense of being held in the loving gaze of God waivers. But it doesn’t quite die.
She makes the hard journey to the Temple to make her last tiny offering. It’s then that Jesus sees and comments on her offering:
“She, out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed, all she had to live on.”
She senses his gaze recognising his love and respect…and everything changes. Once again, she recognises the loving gaze of God on her. This enables her to accept the hospitality her neighbour Miriam offers her as a gift of love.
Where do you need to feel the loving gaze of God in your life this Holy Week?
You can listen to Paula Gooder read Anna’s story here:
