Saint of the Day
Sts. Joachim and Anne
Joachim and Anne are the traditional names given to the parents of the Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus, known from early Christian tradition and the second-century Protoevangelium of James rather than from canonical Scripture. They are venerated as a model of faithful, prayerful parenthood. According to tradition, Anne had been barren before conceiving Mary, echoing the stories of Hannah and Elizabeth. They are the patron saints of grandparents and parents. Their feast celebrates the hidden, essential role that family faithfulness plays in the unfolding of God's purposes.
Scripture Reading
Sirach 3:3-4
Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and whoever glorifies his mother is like one who lays up treasure. Whoever honors his father will be gladdened by his own children, and when he prays he will be heard.
Reflection
The feast of Joachim and Anne — the grandparents of Jesus — invites reflection on the long chains of faithfulness that make us who we are. We did not arrive at faith alone. Someone prayed for us, taught us, modeled devotion before we could understand it. To honor parents and grandparents is to acknowledge the gift of the chain. Pray today for those who came before you.
Prayer for Today
Oh Lord,
The church has been the same since its beginning. There have been disputes among believers since the beginning. Paul opposed Peter in Galatia. (Galatians 2:11-14) Paul reminded the church of Philippi to do nothing out of rivalry (Philippians 2:3). There is a reason why You are in charge, Father. We could never keep order in the church without Your presence there. Father, I pray for those in conflict right now that they would not give the devil a foothold in their lives, but that they would come together in Your Name to resolve any conflicts between them. I pray that You will be glorified in everything they do. I pray this in Your Son's precious Name! Amen
The church has been the same since its beginning. There have been disputes among believers since the beginning. Paul opposed Peter in Galatia. (Galatians 2:11-14) Paul reminded the church of Philippi to do nothing out of rivalry (Philippians 2:3). There is a reason why You are in charge, Father. We could never keep order in the church without Your presence there. Father, I pray for those in conflict right now that they would not give the devil a foothold in their lives, but that they would come together in Your Name to resolve any conflicts between them. I pray that You will be glorified in everything they do. I pray this in Your Son's precious Name! Amen
Amen.