When Jesus is brought to the temple so that his parents may do as the law commanded, the righteous and devout Simeon, whom the Holy Spirit had revealed would not die before he had seen the Lord's Anointed, takes the child in his arms and praises God: "Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace ... my eyes have seen your salvation." He blesses the parents and tells Mary that this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and that a sword will pierce her own soul. At that same moment comes the prophetess Anna, daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, an elderly widow who serves God with fasting and prayer night and day in the temple. She praises God and speaks about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed,
36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,