The Dormition of Saint Anna, Mother of the Most Holy God-bearer (Theotokos); Holy Women Olympiada and Eupraxia (5th c.).
Polyeleos Feast.
Galatians 4:22-31; Luke 8:16-21.
Read Luke 8:16-21
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Jesus says the following surprising words: “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” At face value, this seems to go against the Church’s high regard for Mary, Jesus’ Mother, since Jesus says these words to contrast his physical relations with his disciples. But when we remember that this gospel is chosen precisely because of today’s feast, and it’s connection to Mary, it becomes clear that there must be more going on.
The essential fact is that Mary did hear the word of God and do it. Actually, she listened to the word of God more carefully than any other person in history, and followed that word more faithfully too. Today’s feast, in honour of St. Ann, points to how Mary’s parents also practiced this kind of faithfulness, waiting for years and trusting God in the midst of their barrenness before being blessed with a child. This is the kind of faithfulness we want to cultivate in our own lives. And we have powerful intercessors to help us: Mary, and her noble parents, Joachim and Ann. Their faithfulness moved them from the status of Jesus’ relations to his most honourable disciples. Through their prayers and example, let’s move in that direction too.