The Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne

Ex. 20:1-17, Mt. 13:18-23. Today we celebrate the memorial of the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saints Joachim and Anne. We remember them as those who were faithful and committed to obey the Lord and His laws, which they passed on to their daughter, Mary, preparing her well for the crucial role she would end up taking as the Mother of our Lord and Saviour. They taught her to be obedient to the Lord, to be righteous and just in accordance to the Law, as recorded in today's first reading, which relates to us the importance of the Ten Commandments that God revealed to Israel at Mount Sinai, as the core of the laws which He has provided for them.

Through their responsible parenting, they taught Mary to be receptive of the Word of God to bear much fruit for God as Jesus taught us in today's Gospel. Just as the seed fell on different soil: among thorns, along the path, on rocky ground and the rich soil brings forth much fruit, the seed of divine grace should be allowed to fall on our receptive heart to bear much fruit. Those seeds that fell on unfavourable terrain are symbolic of those who have received the seeds of faith from God and yet, failed to allow those seeds to grow, therefore, they ended up being unfaithful. Today we are challenged not to allow the concerns of the world, temptations of worldly desires and the pressures of sin cause our fall and get further away from the Lord. Let us remember that our families must stay together in faith and look upon the good examples set by Joachim and Anne, in their faith and dedication and in how they raised Mary well in faith. From now on, let us model our families after the example of Mary’s loving family, praying together and striving to be united together in faith.

May the Lord continue to bless us and our families and may He bless all parents, that they may continue to remain faithful to their calling as parents, in the responsibilities they have for one another as husband and wife and to their children! Amen!! Good morning and have a great day!!!