Two elderly Jews, Simeon and Anna, meet the Child, when Mary and Joseph take him to the temple, “to present him to the Lord.” Simeon joyfully takes  the Child in his arms. “Now you can dismiss your servant in peace, Lord, because my eyes have seen your salvation.” No temple priests, no officials, no angels recognize the Child, according to Luke’s gospel, , just two old people. (Luke 2:36-40)

Anna, an 84 year temple regular and a widow after being married for only seven years doesn’t say anything when she sees the Child. In our picture above he stands behind Simeon gazing at the Child. “Coming forward at the very time,” Luke says, “she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the salvation of Jerusalem.” She doesn’t keep word of him to herself. She speaks of him to all.

The Lord comes to the 84 year old woman, to Simeon, to Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah, the shepherds in the hills, the wise men from afar. He comes to all. John’s letter, which we read today at Mass, says that too. ( 1 John 2:11-17)

Anna gives thanks at the sight of the Child and goes out to speak about him to everyone she meets. “Let the heaven be glad and the earth rejoice. Go tell all the nations the Lord is King.” Our responsorial psalm says.

At 84, Anna becomes an apostle.

It ain’t over till it’s over.