THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The Scriptures recount, "And there arose... And Anna, after they had eaten in Silom, and after they had drunk," and she stood before the Lord. This phrase, “after drinking and after drinking,” serves a deliberate purpose; it highlights that the time others spend in leisure and idleness was devoted instead by her to fervent prayer and deep sorrow, for she was both sober and vigilant. “And she stood before the Lord. And Elijah the priest sat on the throne at the entrance of the Lord’s temple.” It is not merely stated that "Elijah... the priest sat on the throne at the entrance of the temple of the Lord" but to illustrate the fervency of this woman. It is not uncommon for a widow, feeling vulnerable and isolated, who has endured many offenses and slights, to exhibit remarkable bravery.
Read more (228 words)
During an occasion when the king is approached by guards, shield-bearers, cavalry, and numerous attendants, such a woman may not falter or seek a defender; rather, she boldly steps forward to the king and poignantly recounts her plight, driven by her dire need. In a similar vein, this woman did not feel embarrassed or ashamed in the presence of the high priest seated there; instead, filled with love and raising her spirit toward heaven, she envisioned God Himself and fervently began to communicate with Him.
Would you like to grasp what true vigilance, sobriety, and perseverance in prayer mean? Look to Anna and observe her actions. It is noted that she arose from the table and immediately turned neither to sleep nor relaxation. It seems that even at the meal, she practiced moderation and refrained from indulging in rich foods; otherwise, her tears would not have flowed so freely. Indeed, if we, who fast and abstain from food, find it challenging to pray in such a manner— or, to be more precise, we rarely pray with such sincerity—then it stands to reason that she could not have offered such prayers after her meal had she not maintained a posture of fasting even while dining. Woe unto us, men and women, who, in our prayers for the kingdom, succumb to drowsiness, while this woman, seeking a son, wept earnestly.