Continuing the reading from John's letter we are made aware that the love of which he speaks is solidly based and no mere notion. Our love as Christians is not lust or greed or anything like worldly pomp. The 'world' which is opposed to God often uses the language of love to conceal selfishness and sin. Our love is proved in deeds rather than in words - God's love is alive in us when we are in harmony with His will.

Anna in the Gospel is a perfect illustration of this. An old woman, quite unremarkable except to the eyes of faith, she was faithful to prayer and God's service for years, and her inner vision enabled her to see in the child of this very ordinary couple the promised Saviour of the people. God has entered our world and is one of us.

As we see the child grow in maturity and wisdom we pray for all our children that they too may grow in faith and true wisdom.