Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne,

parents of the Virgin Mary

Now I will praise those goldy men, our ancestors, each in his own time... Their bodies are peacefully laid away, but their names live on and on. – Sirach 44:1,13

       “Daddy likes that,” I said, referring to a dish that my father enjoyed eating. My brother agreed. It wasn’t the first time we talked about what Dad liked, what he would say, where he would go.

       It was then that my brother’s stepdaughter said, “You talk about Lolo as if he was still alive.”

       That stopped me in my tracks and made me smile.

       My dad had been gone for almost a year, and yes, we still did refer to him as if he were still around. Because in truth, I still feel his presence even if he had already gone to heaven.

       I feel the same way about my mom, who passed away in 2009. Both their deaths were happy occasions for the family because they passed away peacefully after having lived meaningful lives.

       Now, more than ever, I believe that death is not an end but a doorway to the place where all of us want to go. And while we don’t see our loved ones and encounter them the way we used to when they were on earth, I know they’re alive and we’ll be happily reunited with them someday. Rissa Singson Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

Reflection: “A fact of life we all die. But the positive impact you have on others will be a living legacy.” (Catherine Pulsifer)

Jesus, help me live my life in a way that my good deeds will ripple beyond my lifetime.

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

We remember people by their legacies. Joachim and Anne left us their daughter, Mary, and never has there been such a great gift given to the world aside from Jesus. May we be judged by how we serve those around us. What legacy do you want to leave behind?

Sirach 44:1, 10-15 (or Jeremiah 14:17-22)

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.

Psalm 132: 11, 13-14, 17-18 (or Psalm 79:8, 9, 11, 13)

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)

There is no excuse for not listening to the voice of the Spirit. We should be attentive to His leading because we need it every day. Let us open our hearts to the Word of God and learn from His truth. This will free us to become the disciples God intended us to be.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live forever.

Matthew 13:36-43 (or Matthew 13:16-17)

36 Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, 38 the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

think: What legacy do you want to leave behind?

Thank You Lord for: __________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Judith 5-8  

IDEAL PARENTS

Children remain grateful to their parents, although there are exceptions. They know that without their parents, they would not exist or would not be what they are later in life. When persons run into problems, psychiatrists begin to ask about their parents and their education.

       Even though my father has been dead for 40 years already and my mother for 20 years, their photos are still in my room and there are times that I still “talk” to my mom. Without her, I would not be what I am now. That brings us to today’s feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne. We don’t know anything about them. Even their names are not mentioned in the Bible. Only legends exist, and in Sepphoris, six kilometers from Nazareth, are the ruins of the Church of St. Anne because according to ancient traditions that was where the parents of Jesus’ mother lived.

       Yes, we don’t know anything about them. But looking at Mary we can only conclude that they must have been excellent parents. That Mary could say yes to the angel Gabriel when she heard that she was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah indicates that St. Anne had brought her up in a way that she was able to submit joyfully to God’s plans. That Mary walked several days to help her old cousin Elizabeth during the last months of her pregnancy indicates also that her mother had taught her to care for people in need and help wherever she could.

       Today, many parents are so busy that their children grow up without their gentle guidance. Too many parents are no longer deeply rooted in their faith and don’t teach their children how to pray and love God. Let us pray today to these ideal parents, Sts. Joachim and Anne, to take care of our modern parents, that they may be responsible for the future of their children and bring them up as people who will lead moral lives and remain close to God. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you thank your parents for all that they have done for you?

Lord, thank You for the parents You gave me. Without their guidance, I would not be what I am now. Reward them with eternal life and happiness, and allow them to continue their prayerful guidance from heaven. Amen.