"The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants." Matthew 13: 31-32
Today is the memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is so great for the church to honor Mary's parents on this memorial day just as she would've honored them in her life! Mary was completely faithful to God's commandments her entire life; this included the Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and mother. So, how beautiful is it that in imitation of Mary we honor her parents just as she did. Though, why does God command that we honor our parents? God deigned that man and woman form families for the "procreation and education of children" as the Catechism tells us. It is from our parents that we inherit and grow in our faith. In today's Gospel reading, Christ compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed: "It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants." Parents, ideally, are the first sowers of this seed. Saints Joachim and Anne certainly sowed this seed in Mary's heart. Let us look to their example and rely on their intercession to help us sow the seeds of the kingdom in others. Whether that be our own children or in those we interact with every day so that they may encounter Christ as we have.
How can I sow the seed of the Kingdom of God in the hearts of others just as Joachim and Anne did for Mary?
Saints Joachim and Anne, pray that we may follow in your example and help others encounter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Today's Reflection is by:
Spencer D. Grant
Did you know...
Spencer Grant is currently in his first year of seminary at St. John Vianney College Seminary as a junior. Born and raised in Tampa, his family joined the Catholic Church when he was eleven years old and have been parishioners at St. Timothy in Lutz since then. He enjoys his time on the golf course and is an avid Bucs, Lightning and Rays fan.
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