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Anna the first human evangelist
Simeon and Anna are portrayed as elderly and devout and in all likelihood they were poor. Biblical scholar, Raymond Brown, says that they were representatives of the “poor ones” who relied solely upon God for their sustenance.
They were representatives of the lowly, the poor, the sick and downtrodden, widows and orphans. They were the ones who hoped for the Messiah to come and rescue them.
Both Simeon and Anna were old. Both had been looking for the coming of the one who was to become salvation for Israel. Both had their spiritual eyes open to recognise in this child the promised one.
In Luke’s gospel, Anna becomes the first human evangelist. Luke tells us how Anna “began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38). Anna spoke about the child to others who, like her, were waiting for the Messiah.
Like Anna, we’re called be evangelists. We are to testify – to speak to others – about the work and action of Jesus Christ in our world and in our lives. We are called to tell others what the grace of God within us has done for us.
It’s a part of our being converted. We cannot call ourselves Jesus’ followers unless we are witnesses. Telling others is part and parcel of our conversion and discipleship. We tell others about the one who brings salvation for all people.
- a Pew Sheet article written by the Rector soon after his installation in January 08