Living Examples of Love

Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

~~~ Jeremiah 7:1-11 ~~~ Psalm 84 ~~~ Matthew 13:24-30 ~~~

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

I just have this vision of Mary's parents 

having a most beautiful, loving, peaceful family.

Truly a dwelling place where the Lord God had a prominent place.

Not that they sat around and prayed all day long,

but that they went about their day with the joy of the Lord

 ever present in their hearts.

I believe this must have been a special family

 when I look at, Mary, their daughter.

Their daughter was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus.

Mary's parents raised her in such a manner

 that she was able to open her heart 

to be accepting of the most sacred call...

to be the mother of The Son of God.

There must have been great love within their relationship with each other.

Mary was blessed with a mother and a father who loved

God...who loved each other, and who loved her.

Joachim and Anne must have been 

living examples of great love and devotion.

How else could Mary have been so well prepared to accept 

the most holy invitation from the angel?

Hear the word of the LORD...

Joachim and Anne not only heard the word of the Lord;
they listened and took it with love into their hearts.

Jeremiah speaks today of the temple of the Lord.
Mary's body became the living temple of the Lord.
Today let us give thanks for the love, for the pure sense of obedience
 they were able to share with their beloved daughter...Mary.

This is the temple of the LORD!

The temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD!

Mary said yes to the angel of the Lord
becoming the temple of the Lord for nine months.
May Saints Joachim and Anne intercede on behalf of parents
 as they cope with the stresses of our society.

Saints Joachim and Anne, pray for us.
We thank you for the gift of your daughter, Mary.
~~~Peace~~~