Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: Ex 16:1-5, 9-15; Ps 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28; Mt 13:1-9
Notes: Grandparents have the responsibility to sow good seed. Children have the responsibility to receive them in their ‘good soil’ or within their best self.
Just like the Father sows the good seed of the Gospel, we must learn to receive with good will. Each must act in their Best Self.
Today we consider the ordinary readings with a thought to parents, grandparents and the aged. There are alternate readings specific to this memorial and I could have chosen to use them readings for today’s reflection. Memorial Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/0726-memorial-joachim-anne.cfm
But it is also profitable to consider the combination of Manna and Sowing of Seeds by way of the Blessed Mother’s parents.
For reference the ordinary reading, without a memorial, two years ago: http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2021/07/21/good-bread-and-foul-fowl/
Grandparents sow good seed.
From Pope Francis: https://thedialog.org/vatican-news/pope-francis-establishes-world-day-of-grandparents-and-the-elderly-to-coincide-with-feast-of-sts-joachim-and-anne/
“Their voice is precious because it sings the praises of God and safeguards the roots of peoples,” he said. “They remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the young.”
Reflection
This is the “feast of grandparents.” It reminds grandparents of their responsibility to establish a tone for generations to come: They must make the traditions live and offer them as a promise to little children. But the feast has a message for the younger generation as well. It reminds the young that older people’s greater perspective, depth of experience, and appreciation of life’s profound rhythms are all part of a wisdom not to be taken lightly or ignored.
Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-joachim-and-anne/
First Reading
This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat.
Responsorial
The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
Man ate the bread of angels, food he sent them in abundance. He stirred up the east wind in the heavens, and by his power brought on the south wind.
Gospel Acclamation
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; All who come to him will live for ever.
Gospel
But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry