Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne,

parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

       How many times have we attended Mass and sat through the sermon looking at the priest but not really able to absorb what he’s saying? Then he says, “You know, I remember when I was a kid living in the province….” Immediately, it captures our attention.

       Why? Because people love stories. It resonates with our emotions and reminds us of our own experiences, thus making us remember things better. Jesus knew the power of a great story — that’s why He used parables. He was able to make people understand deep Gospel truths by telling stories about everyday things that were familiar to them. In today’s Gospel, he took an abstract concept — the Kingdom of God — and explained it by talking about a man who sowed good seeds in his field and an enemy who sowed wheat.

       If you come from an agricultural background, like the people during Jesus’ time, you would have immediately understood what He meant.

       All of us have a story to tell. And the most powerful story we have is our personal testimony of how Jesus changes us and

continues to love us. Go and tell somebody your story today. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

Reflection: If your Gospel isn’t touching others, it hasn’t touched you! (Curry R. Blake)

Lord, make me a witness to Your love and greatness every day of my life.

Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us.

We honor the parents of Mary today because it is a good thing to do. We should honor our parents because of the sacrifices they have made for us. Without them, we would never have survived once we were born. A human being needs the most care before it is able to fend for itself. Let us resolve to respect and honor our parents as best as we can.

1 Now will I praise those godly men, our ancestors, each in his own time: 10 These were godly men whose virtues have not been forgotten; 11 their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants; 12 through God’s covenant with them their family endures, their posterity, for their sake. 13 And for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out; 14 their bodies are peacefully laid away, but their name lives on and on. 15 At gatherings their wisdom is retold, and the assembly proclaims their praise.

R: God will give him the throne of David, his father.

11 The Lord swore to David a firm promise from which he will not withdraw: “Your own offspring I will set upon your throne.” (R) 13 For the Lord has chosen Zion: he prefers her for his dwelling. 14 “Zion is my resting place forever; in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.” (R) 17 “In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David; I will place a lamp for my anointed. 18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon him my crown shall shine.” (R)

We should always be grateful for the blessings we have received rather than ruing the ones we did not. We need not waste our time and energy wishing this or that for our lives. It is far more productive to work with what we have and be grateful for it. This is also one of the basis for righteousness — being thankful for what God has given us and using it for our own benefit and that of others as well.

They yearned for the comforting of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested upon them.

16 Jesus said to his disciples: “Blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. 17 Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

think:  We should all honor our parents because of the sacrifices they have made for us.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Judith 9-12

LINKED WITH JESUS

THROUGH STS. JOACHIM AND ANNE

We celebrate today the liturgical memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, and we owe it not at all to Sacred Scriptures but to Catholic Tradition. This is simply because the main source for our knowledge of them is outside the Bible, and in fact they are not at all mentioned in the Gospels. The whole thing also goes to show that we Catholics are not at all tied up only to the Bible, but we also have the living Tradition which continuously enriches our life of faith.

       Sts. Joachim and Anne also enrich our faith. They stretch back and expand our link to Jesus. As the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and consequently the grandparents of Jesus, they occupy place of pride in the lineage of Jesus. Although they did not get to see Jesus or enjoy their connection with Him (see Matthew 13:16-17), even just the thought that these are the ones who gave birth to, reared and took care of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is consoling. Joachim and Anne did their part and fulfilled their mission in life, notwithstanding their circumstances.

       We, too, obviously did not come into this world at the time of Jesus Christ. But our link with Him is just as valid and true. Our humble lives may be a messy mix-up of weeds and wheat, but patiently we do plod on, still doing our best to fulfill God’s will in our lives and to keep His commands. May Sts. Joachim and Anne be our strength and inspiration. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

REFLECTION QUESTION: If you are a parent, in what ways can you imitate Sts. Joachim and Anne in raising up your children?

Today, we thank You for our grandparents, Lord. We lift them up to You. Bless them and grant them long life, and be with them at the hour of their death.