Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary (26^th July, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial

Ex 32:15-24.30-34;

Ps 105:19-23. (R. v.1);

Matt 13:31-35.

Saint Joachim, also spelled Joaquin[1] meaning “he whom Yahweh has set up” was the husband of Saint Anne and the father of Mary, the mother of Jesus, according to the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions. Saints Joachim and Anne are not mentioned in the Bible. The story about them first appeared in the apocryphal Gospel of James.[2] It was alleged that Mary was promised to them by an angel, was consecrated to God, and she remained a virgin all her life. Saints Joachim and Anne are role models for parents.[3]

Topic: Unless you put them forth.

In today’s gospel, Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed and yeast. Our homily will focus on the parable of the mustard seed. This seed is the smallest of all the seeds but when planted, it becomes the greatest of all shrubs and become a tree, so that the birds of the air make nests in its branches, cf. Matt 13:32.

If a mustard seed is not sown, it remains the smallest of all the seeds. Imagine someone who has just a mustard seed. Often, we lose confidence in ourselves. Some do find it very difficult to believe that they are good for anything. Many things remain in the world of ideas (in the mind) as a result of this. Whatever gift one has can be greater than the biblical mustard seed if it is put into use.

We are all instruments in the hands of God. Every instrument (human being) is meant for something big although, we may not see the magnitude of some of the instruments. What each of us can become is only known to God, cf. Matt 24:36; Mk 13:32.

Bible Readings: 1Cor 6:12-20.

Thought for today: We are instruments in the hands of God, cf. Acts 9:15.

Let us pray: Lord and Master, give us the grace that will enable us to put every gift we have received from you into proper use – Amen.

Saints Joachim and Anne – Pray for us.

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