Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Theme: "Rooted in Prayer, Growing in Love"

Readings:

  • Genesis 18:20-32

  • Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8

  • Colossians 2:12-14

  • Luke 11:1-13



1. Introduction

Today we celebrate not only the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time but also the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Our Lady, and the grandparents of Jesus. They represent deep-rooted faith, tradition, and the prayerful foundation upon which generations flourish. This Sunday, Jesus teaches us how to pray, and Abraham shows us how to persist in prayer.

A young child knelt beside his bed and prayed loudly, “Dear God, please bless Mommy and Daddy… and give me a bicycle!” His mother whispered, “God isn’t deaf, dear.” The boy replied, “Yes, but Grandma is—and she’s in the next room!”

This light-hearted story reminds us that sometimes we confuse prayer with performance—but today’s readings invite us into genuine, persistent, and trusting dialogue with God, not just asking, but being changed.

3. The Word of God

Genesis 18:20-32 – Abraham intercedes on behalf of Sodom. His conversation with God is bold and intimate. He is not afraid to “bargain” with God, reflecting a mature faith built on relationship, not ritual.

Psalm 138 – A response of thanksgiving for God’s faithful love. Even in the midst of trouble, God’s steadfastness is our strength.

Colossians 2:12-14 – Paul reminds us that through baptism, we were buried and raised with Christ. This transformative power erases our debt and restores our communion with God.

Luke 11:1-13 – The disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus offers the Lord’s Prayer, a model that centers on God’s will, daily trust, forgiveness, and protection. He then encourages persistent and confident prayer.

4. Connection of the Readings

All the readings today revolve around prayer and our relationship with God. Abraham shows that prayer can be a form of bold intercession; Jesus reveals that prayer must be both trusting and persistent. Colossians teaches us that God already moved first in love—our prayers are responses to His grace.

On the Memorial of Joachim and Anne, we reflect on the power of prayerful parenting and grandparenting. It was in their home that Mary was formed in faith.

5. Reflection Questions

  • How persistent am I in prayer when I don’t get immediate answers?

  • Do I see prayer as a duty, a last resort, or a daily relationship?

  • Who taught me how to pray? How can I pass this legacy on?

  • In what ways can I be a spiritual ancestor like Joachim and Anne?

6. Implications for Daily Living in Light of the Jubilee Year and Synod on Synodality

  • In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are called to reclaim prayer not only as private devotion but also as communal discernment.

  • The Synod on Synodality encourages us to listen—to each other, and to the Holy Spirit. This is prayer in action: a Church walking, praying, and deciding together.

  • Like Joachim and Anne, we are to plant seeds of faith for future generations. Let our homes be places of encounter with God.

7. Inspiration / Motivation

Prayer is not about changing God’s mind. It’s about changing our hearts and growing in intimacy with Him. Prayer gives birth to faith, forgiveness, hope, and action.

8. Quote for the Day

“To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” — Karl Barth

9. Final Thoughts

Today’s Gospel reminds us that God is never indifferent. He gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask. On this memorial, Saints Joachim and Anne remind us that faith is generational. May we be the Abrahams, the Joachims, the Annes, the intercessors for our families, Church, and world.

10. Conclusion

In this Eucharist, may we be renewed in our call to pray with faith, teach others to pray, and persist in prayer for justice, healing, and the presence of God in every situation.

11. Concluding Prayer

Lord our God,
You are our Father who knows what we need before we ask.
Teach us to pray with trust, like Abraham,
with the words of Jesus,
and with the faith of Saints Joachim and Anne.
May our lives echo the prayer You have placed in our hearts.
Inspire us to be spiritual mothers and fathers
for a new generation of believers.
In this Jubilee Year, may our prayer build bridges,
heal wounds, and birth hope.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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