Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: Exodus 24:3-8; Psalm 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15; Matthew 13:24-30
Summary
We like to remember things. Especially promises made and kept – for love, marriage, country and God. We like to remember places where we lived or visited. We especially like to remember people and the things they have done for us. In our sacred readings today, we encounter the good of the Lord in himself and in his people:
- Ratification of the Covenant by the sprinkling of the blood (Mt Sinai, the commandments, et al).
- Moses, intercessor, The LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a person speaks to a friend (Ex 33:11).
- The Lord, promise maker, promise keeper, having liberated the Jewish people from Egypt.
- Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, never losing hope.
- Jesus, in this case, parable teller, and the revelation of the priority of life [Weeds among the Wheat]: He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’ (MT 13:28-30).
Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people, who answered, “All that the LORD has said, we will hear and do.” Then he took the blood and splashed it on the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you according to all these words.” (Ex 24:7-8)
Reflection
The blood of animals sealed the Old Covenant. The Blood of the Son sealed the New Covenant.
The story of Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of patience. The Lord has made his promises. He works quietly, purposefully and wasting nothing. Joachim and Anne are part of the fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the beginning of the New Covenant. Quietly and unassuming.
All the while, patience with those who do not act rightly. Because they are part of the story too. Hopefully, in the end, a story of conversion and peace.
I was listening to a priest webcast (forgot to get the link) describe the Rite of Peace. He was describing the deeper reason we have this dialog in the Liturgy of the Holy Mass.
The Rite of Peace
Dominus vobiscum. Et cum spiritu tuo. The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.
Let us offer one another a Sign of Peace.
This exchange is to reinforce within ourselves the command of the Lord: Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift (MT 5:23-24).
Personal Reflection
Today, while the sacred text is simple, the beauty and depth are heartfelt memory. We remember the promises kept and future made by the Lord. We have faith in his decision to make his promises to us.
We are but to do two things:
- Do not ‘rip up’ those who are evil. Be patient as the Lord is patient.
- Just as at Mass, be at peace with everyone before coming to the Altar to receive the Lord in Holy Communion.
Forbearance and peace. All that the LORD has said, we will hear and do.
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072625.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry