SATURDAY OF THE 16TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Celebration: Saints Joachim and Ann (Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
It was in the home of Joachim and Ann where the Virgin Mary received her training to be the Mother of God. This devotion to Ann and Joachim is an extension of the affection Christians have always professed toward our Blessed Mother. We too, owe a debt of gratitude to our parents for their help in our Christian formation.
Liturgical Colour: White
Table of the Word
First Reading: Exodus 24:3–8
Gospel: Matthew 13:24–30
Theme:
Reflection
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we join the universal Church to celebrate the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and by extension, the grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though the Scriptures do not record their names, tradition and the apocryphal Gospel of James preserve their memory as models of faith, devotion, and family virtue.
In the first reading, we hear of the covenant ceremony between God and His people. Moses reads aloud the words of the Lord, and the people respond: “All that the Lord has spoken, we will do.” Blood is sprinkled on the altar and on the people as a sacramental sign of covenant fidelity. This covenant forms the spiritual heritage of Israel, one that is meant to be passed from generation to generation (cf.Exodus 24:3–8).
The Gospel following Evangelist Matthew presents the parable of the weeds among the wheat. This parable reiterates God’s patience and divine wisdom in allowing both good and evil to grow together until the moment of harvest (cf. Matthew 13:24–30). It teaches us that in the field of human life, especially within family and community, growth and holiness take time, and judgment belongs to God alone.
However, Saints Joachim and Anne did not live to see the full flowering of Mary’s mission or Jesus’ ministry, yet their faithfulness in raising a daughter like Mary allowed the seed of salvation to take root. Like good soil, they prepared a home where God’s word could grow.
To buttress this, Pope Francis, in his apostolic reflections, frequently underscores the importance of grandparents and the elderly as custodians of memory and faith. In “Amoris Laetitia” (§192), when he writes: “Grandparents are a precious resource. Their words, their affection, or simply their presence help children realize that history did not begin with them.” It is in line with this, that these great pillars of faith remind us that faith is a generational gift, a treasure handed down, nurtured through example more than words. In honouring them.
Beloved in Christ, this celebration of the grandparents of Jesus provoked in us a challenge as parents, teachers of faith, leaders etc. to put in our best to train with utmost discipline those entrusted to our care for a better future. We are obligedbto sow a good seed instead of weed, lest during the harvest wheat will certainly be separated from the weed.
Finally, let us, like Saints Joachim and Anne, commit to living lives of hidden fidelity, knowing that God works through the quiet witness of our daily love. May we become good soil and wise sowers, trusting that the Divine Potter is shaping generations for His glory.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 26072025
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