Anna the Prophetess
A Metaphysical Interpretation of Luke 2:33-39
The Story of Jesus' Soul Evolution
An unpublished manuscript written by Charles Fillmore in 1947
Pages 80-83
Text
Luke 2:33-39. And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him; and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against; yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
Interpretation
In this scripture Simeon, symbolizing one who listens spiritually and obeys by likening to the inner voice, is able to prophesy the greatness of the coming of Him who is to prove Himself to be the fulfillment of the promise of the Messiah.
Anna, the prophetess, who had long been a vestal virgin in the temple, represents a certain conservation of spiritual life which has been built up by devotion and faithfulness. This spiritual life is transmitted through many incarnations as an inheritance of the soul and is of great importance in forming the Christ body. Nothing is lost in the evolution of the soul. Grace is apparent in the impersonal, sharing of the just perceived truth with others who have been seeking the same truth, but who have not yet reached the clearness of vision required to gain perfect perception of the law.
