HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF Sts. JOACHIM AND ANN/ TUESDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (2)

HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF Sts. JOACHIM AND ANN/ TUESDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: The purpose for which God created the world

BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY JULY 26 2022 

We observe today, the Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Ann

HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF Sts. JOACHIM AND ANN/ TUESDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: The purpose for which God created the world

BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY JULY 26 2022

 

We observe today, the Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Ann, the parents of our Blessed Mother, Mary; the grandparents of Jesus. It was in the home of Joachim and Ann that the Virgin Mary received her training to be the Mother of God. Thus, 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.

The readings of today highlight the purpose for which God created the world- for the sake of communion with God’s Divine Life. This communion is constantly threatened by sin. In the first reading (Jer 14: 17-22), the Prophet Jeremiah pleads with God to come to the aid of His people who are suffering with sickness, hunger and death because of their sins. “Lord, we do confess our wickedness and our father’s guilt: we have indeed sinned against you. For your names sake do not reject us, do not dishonour the throne of your glory. Remember us; do not break your covenant with us.” Is my present life experience drawing me back into a deeper relationship with God? Or am I veering far from the path which God intends for me?

Jesus, in the gospel (Matt. 13: 36-43) explains the parable of the Wheat and Weeds to His disciples. The wheat is sown by the Son of Man, while the weeds are sown by the evil one. Our life is the field where these seeds grow.

Dear friends, in the day of Judgment, each will reap what he or she has sown in this life. Those who sow good will shine in the Kingdom of their Father. They will radiate with beauty, joy and fullness of God’s love. While those who sow evil will gnash their teeth in condemnation. In the words of *Charles* *Reade* : “Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny”. Do I allow the love of God to rule in my heart, thought and actions? Or do I take for granted God’s love and patience?

I pray as we journey in life today, we will make good use of every opportunity God has given to us and be enthusiastic *(en* *theos* – in God) in living our lives in God. We ask God not to look on our sins, but we pray with the Psalmist: “O God our Saviour, come to our help, come for the sake of the glory of your name. O Lord our God, forgive us our sins; rescue us for the sake of your name.” (Ps. 79:11) Have a patience-full day!

Fr. Francis Onwunali

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