16TH FRIDAY HOMILY OF ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

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16TH FRIDAY HOMILY OF ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: THE GOOD SOIL OF PARENTING

BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa

Today, we celebrate the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In today’s gospel (Matthew 13:18–23), Jesus tells the parable of the sower, where the seed falls on different types of soil, representing how people respond to God’s word.

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Saints Joachim and Anne are like the good soil in which the seed takes root and bears fruit. They are a beautiful example of faith and family! They taught Mary the values of prayer, kindness, and humility, which prepared her to become the Mother of God.

They show us that parenting is a sacred vocation where parents and guardians help their children grow in faith and become the people God calls them to be. As Pope Benedict XVI once said, “The family is the first school of faith, where children learn to appreciate the beauty of prayer and the importance of a personal relationship with God” (Address to Families, 2011).

Joseph and Josephine Okoro, a devout Nigerian couple, had always believed that raising their three children—Uche, Nkechi, and Chuka—was a sacred calling from God. They saw their role as parents not just to provide for their physical needs, but to nurture their spiritual growth and help them become the people God intended them to be.

As their children grew, Joseph and Josephine noticed unique passions and talents in each of them. Uche, the oldest, felt an unmistakable call to serve God as a priest. His parents encouraged him to pursue his dream by attending church events together, praying regularly, and entering the high school seminary.

Nkechi, the middle child, showed a natural talent for leadership and public service. Her parents helped her develop these skills, teaching her the importance of integrity, compassion, and honesty. They encouraged her to volunteer at local charities, where she learned to serve others selflessly.

Chuka, the youngest, had a heart for family and nurturing. She dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom, raising children who loved and served God. Her parents supported her desire, modeling a loving and Christ-centered home that showed her what it meant to prioritize faith and family.

Years later, Joseph and Josephine’s children had grown into remarkable adults. Uche became a selfless priest, serving his community with kindness and wisdom. Nkechi rose to prominence as a dedicated public servant, fighting for justice and equality. Chuka raised three beautiful children, teaching them to love and serve God with all their hearts.

Joseph and Josephine’s story is a testament to the power of parenting as a sacred calling. By nurturing their children’s faith and supporting their passions, they raised three unique individuals who made a positive impact in the world, glorifying God in their lives.

The feast day of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of our beloved Blessed Mother Mary, is a special day that reminds us that our families are like little churches, where we first experience God’s love and learn to serve Him. Our families shape us into the people we become and pass on our faith and values to the next generation.

Let’s ask Saints Joachim and Anne to pray for our families, that we may become beacons of love, faith, and hope in our communities. May their examples inspire us to embrace our own roles as parents, guardians, and mentors. May our families and communities be like the good soil, receptive to God’s word and fruitful in our response, bearing witness to the power of faith and love in our world. Amen.

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