It is 26th July 2018. We celebrate the memorial of Sts. Joachim & Anne, Parents of Our Lady. Anna means grace; Joachim denotes ‘Yahweh saves.’ This feast reminds the parents and the grand parents of their responsibility in leading children and grandchildren to God through faith and Christian values. The readings are from Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13; and the Gospel Matthew 13:10-17. Most of us love human companionships, friendships and alliances neglecting or refusing to establish a friendship with God. Friendship with God cannot be established without a fervent prayer. The parents of Blessed Mother Mary are the examples of fervent prayer. In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah points out that the people of God preferred human alliances over God’s friendship. “For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.” (Jer.2:13) The shepherds, people and priest were after human consolations and affection than to have devotion that is duly deserved to the Lord. We feel thirsty for more love even though we have filled ourselves human love. Our life holds nothing substantially good because we do not hold the living water that sustains our souls. The leaky and rusty human relationship do not suffice us anymore. God has done enough and more to be God in our lives, what have done so far to remain as the child of God? We have not demolished our idol and hero/heroine worship yet. We are upholding values that do not enrich our lives. The responsorial Psalm praises, “In you, Lord, is the source of life.” (Ps.35:10). The Gospel invites us to be open to the message of Christ to be fruitful by a personal conversion. Unless the message of Christ penetrates of our heart and soul, we remain where we are spiritually and ungrateful to God. Everything starts small indeed; whether it is good or bad. We need to nurture that little moments of goodness that surely one day become character and nature. May God help us to nurture the relationship with God by listening and be open for the conversion of heart. May you have a good day and God bless you.