6th Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

Gospel: Lk 2:36-40

As I sit here con mis niños in their beds, the house is quiet except for the soft flickering of the Christmas lights, a lullaby playing quietly in my heart. Today's Gospel speaks to us of Ana, the prophetess, a woman of faith and strength. She had spent her life in prayer and in fasting, in seeing God's promises be fulfilled. Her story touches something deep inside of me as a mom-a longing for hope, for justice, and for the sacred in the everyday.

I think of how she waited, watching and praying in the temple for years, steadfast in her faith. ¡Qué paciencia! ¡Qué fe tan grande! Sometimes, as a mother, I feel a similar waiting-praying for a better world for my children, hoping they will grow up in a place where they are seen, loved, and celebrated for who they are.

Like Ana, I know what strength it takes to wait with hope. I see her joy when she recognizes the Christ child, el Salvador del mundo, and think of all the times I've glimpsed the face of God in my own children-in their laughter, their curiosity, and even their tears. Dios is present in their little lives, just as Jesus was there in Mary's arms-full of promise and light.

As the Gospel says, Jesus "grew and became strong, filled with wisdom." Qué oración tan bella para nuestros hijos. I pray the same for mine, that they grow strong in spirit, wise in heart, and compassionate in their love. But I also know this doesn't happen alone. Just as Ana and the community of faithful people around her recognized and celebrated Jesus, it takes all of us—familia, comunidad, iglesia—to nurture and guide our children.

Martha Molina is a CTA member.