How does “On Care for Our Common Home” challenge me, on this Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas, to confront the rise of superficial ecology that fosters complacency, while also #standingtall in faith—like Anna “coming forward at that very time”—and discerning how to #time my actions with the formation and purpose being cultivated in a seminarian of our diocese as shared in CAPN: “The WTC: The Podcast,” Episode 000❓
Gospel
There was 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,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And 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.When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee,
to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
Reflection
Time often feels like a paradox to me, both fleeting and eternal. On this Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas, I am reminded of Anna, who spent her life in prayer and fasting, waiting for the Messiah. Her perseverance over time speaks to God’s redemptive work in moments when I feel like nothing is happening. Just as Anna recognized the Lord “coming forward at that very time,” I am invited to trust in God’s perfect timing and to remain steadfast, knowing that He redeems even the smallest moments for His glory.
At times, I am tempted to fall into the complacency warned against in On Care for Our Common Home. The false ecologies of our day can create a sense of “cheerful recklessness,” convincing me that the time for action can always wait. But as Anna teaches, true stewardship and faith require active vigilance. Whether it’s caring for creation or fostering relationships, I must remain attuned to how God calls me to act in the time He has given me.
A seminarian of our diocese, as shared in CAPN: The WTC: The Podcast, Episode 000, is also learning the value of formation over time. The patience required for his growth challenges me to reflect on how I spend my time. Am I rushing through life, or am I making room for formation in my own faith journey❓ His example reminds me that God uses time to mold us into the people we are meant to be.
“…the reason I didn’t go there was a time…”
3:48
“…peel back onions on this one, big time…”
5:52
“theology um and then throughout the time…”
12:30
“…um and so in class every time I was…”
13:44
“…had spent some time at San Antonio at…”
14:47
“…first time we’ve had you on camera here…”
Finally, Anna’s story challenges me to recognize the significance of the present moment. Time is not just a resource to be managed; it is sacred. Standing tall in faith requires me to discern how to align my life with God’s will—not tomorrow, but now. How often do I look back or forward, failing to see the opportunity God places before me at this very time❓
Am I ready to see and act as Anna did,…
At the same time we can note the rise of a false or superficial ecology which bolsters complacency and a cheerful recklessness.
From paragraph 59 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME