Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Life demands that we use all our senses, taste, sight, touch, smell, and hearing. Discipleship and ministry are best exercised when we use all of them as well. Recently, at work I was reminded just how important it is to listen. In the midst of critical care situations in the hospital it can be difficult to hear the voices of those around you. Especially for families, the volume of information can be overwhelming. Each member may see the situation different or weigh one doctors opinion over another. When possible, the foundation for most discussion of treatment plans are best started with, “What would the patient want?” Sometimes the patient understands the futility of aggressive care and says no more. When this recent patient reclaimed their voice, they made it clear, “I want to live.” Their voice broke through and cleared up for all concerned what was the patients perspective.
The children of Israel only understood the reality that they were starving, and so grumbled to God saying maybe we should never have left Egypt. In the midst of this complex situation the Lord’s voice became clear. I want you to live. Thus the Lord provide manna and quail in the desert. The Lord of course did expect the Israelites to act responsibly in gathering the food. The people heard the Lord’s voice and did as God asked of them.
In the Gospel Jesus offers the parable from a boat so that all those gathered would be able to hear his message clearly. Even the parable reminds us that the God’s Word is the seed and we are to be the fertile soil on which this message falls. In order to do this best we must listen beyond the rhetoric, listen beyond the voices that only tell us what we want to hear, so that we can have ears that hear.
Loving and merciful God, You asked Your servants Joachim and Anne to bear a child whom You called to be holy. Like the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, give us ears that hear Your call, and hearts that respond fully with a faith-filled, Yes.
Amen!
- Deacon Michael Montgomery