Trinity VIII (B) – Sunday 21st July 2024 – St Anne’s, Wrenthorpe (Patronal Eucharist)
Today is the Patronal Festival for this church. This holy place is dedicated to St Anne, whose feast day is on July 26th.
I’ve often wondered why it is a “Patronal” festival, and not, in the case of female saints, the “Matronal” (1) festival! Perhaps that is a discussion for another day! Actually, I think I may have made up the word “Matronal”…. I will use it more in conversation!
Saint Anne shares this memorial with Saint Joachim, as they are remembered as the parents of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and thus, the Grandparents of Jesus.
In all honesty, I didn’t know much about Saint Anne. Did you? I will admit to being less than engaged with the Saints… in general. Is that a terrible thing to say? I mean, there are some that I am more familiar with, and I recognise their place in the history of Christianity, and in the life of the Church. Most of them, less familiar.
So what do we know about Anne? There are historical accounts and stories, much of it from the Gospel of James – one of several Apocryphal documents – those being written later than the more familiar scripture, and not being included in the Bible we have today.
According to tradition, Anne was married to Joachim, and they lived in Jerusalem. They were childless for many years, which was considered a sign of divine disfavour. They prayed and prayed. One day, an angel appeared to Anne and informed her that she would have a child, despite her advanced age.
Her husband, a wealthy and pious man, was deeply distressed by their inability to have children, leading him to retreat to the desert for prayer and fasting. An angel appeared to Joachim, promising that Anne would bear a child. This news brought him great joy, and he returned to Anne, who had her own Good News!
In time they had a daughter, they called Mary. Anne dedicated this, her only and yet miraculous, child to God and, a few years later, Mary was Presented at the Temple, where she lived in preparation for her life to come as The Mother of God. Such events in the Bible, and all of the writings that have shaped our Christian understanding, can be seen as signs that, with God, all things are possible – never give up! For who did Mary become? The young woman who said ’yes’ to God and brought Jesus into the world.
What does this mean for us? What inspiration, if any, can we take from the example of Anne? Well, amidst all of the story and tradition surrounding Anne, what stands out for me, is her faith.
Dedication to a life of service, commitment to following the ways of God, and having faith in God’s purposes, all of that becoming truth in our own lives….?
That is the core of such biblical stories. That is where so much of our inspiration comes from, and that is essence of how we hope to live our own lives, as Christian disciples.
The Gospel reading we heard today was from Mark’s very busy account of Jesus’s ministry. Previously, we heard about Jesus being unpopular at home, John the Baptiser being executed, and Jesus ‘sending out’ the Disciples on their own journeys of mission. And now they are returned. There is a lot going on. Jesus and the Twelve are probably exhausted – emotionally, spiritually and physically.
And there is a fair bit missing here. Like a sandwich without the filling….
We did not hear about the feeding of five thousand, or Jesus stepping out of the boat to walk upon the water, all of which occurs between verses 35 and 52!
Yet that shouldn’t diminish what we do get… what we do hear….
I wouldn’t wish to dwell too much on what is ‘missing’.
The disciples were keen to tell Jesus all about their time away, spreading and living the Good News. On their return, they are unable even to eat or rest, due to the crowds pressing in on every side – all eager to have a bit of Jesus…. Get in on the magic stuff…
So He takes them away for some peace and quiet – but nope, the crowds aren’t having that! Some are there purely for the spectacle! Most, however, are genuinely seeking the hope that this local healer seems to offer.
Jesus takes pity on them and, recognising their need for something much deeper – as the sheep need the shepherd – he teaches them, to help them find their own ways to God.
The shepherd image of Jesus is one we are familiar with and it is an echo of today’s passage from the prophet Jeremiah, if you have a few minutes to read it.
The need to serve God’s people is constant, for Jesus. The Twelve are maybe getting more of an idea bout commitment now.
I know it might seem very different but, two small examples of public service caught my eye recently.
The first was our new Prime Minister’s initial speech, outside No 10, just a few weeks ago. Forgive my paraphrasing, but he spoke about how Public Service was a privilege and a “precondition of hope”; of a return to respectful governance, by those in office..
Such words aren’t always a vote winner and, when spoken by ‘the new guy’, may well prove to be an even sharper focus for scrutiny.
Whatever your political views, I am sure that most could agree :the respect of those in public office is hard won and never taken for granted. Yet when it prevails, and we see our elected officials working hard for us, and that attitude spreading throughout society, then it needs acknowledging. Such values could start a revolution in community relationships. And that is hope indeed!
The second example, requires first my apologies…. I know nothing of football, it doesn’t interest me and I did not watch any of the recent tournament. However, I was aware – not for the first time – that the England manager, whose apparent dedication and commitment, alongside his team, got them to a final. Some have noted his service and decency as a leader. I am sure he resigned for his own reasons, yet I can’t help wondering if there is a sense of ‘we didn’t win’ translating to ‘you failed us’. Again, my apologies if perhaps I do not fully understand the complexities of foot-the-ball…!
But I think we can see that service and commitment are hard work and not always understood…. For what is it that motivates?
Human history is filled with much better examples of dedication to public service, or lives lived for the benefit of others, …or God. Not all commitment ‘to the cause’ is the same. Being motivated by earthly concerns may well be limited by time or events or rewards. When motivated to service and commitment through time spent in contemplation, study, prayer, spiritual reflection, or a passion for the living, then the engagement can be quite different. Those who protest in hope for action on climate change may never see the future results of such efforts.
Perhaps a better example of what I am trying to say, would be that of caring for others in need. When the motivation is often less tangible…. When love is at the centre of action and thought – this blessing from God.
Whether your’e a volunteer, a family member, or a paid carer… whoever it is for…. You know the cost, the despair, and yet the hope and even joy through bringing wholeness and healing….. Jesus did too.
They brought poorly people on mats, travelling great distances, for healing…. desperate to be near Jesus – the news of His touch spreading throughout the land…. The possibility of a miracle to heal and raise up their loved ones.
How desperate is ‘desperate’? Day by day… hour by hour…. The future uncertain…. Feeling ashamed at thinking it a burden…. Praying in desperation for something… anything….. some sign that this too shall pass….
This service of the soul, a commitment to love – not just duty… such dedication is transforming.
Often in our Christian teaching we are encouraged to not think of the body – its needs, its form, its covering or feeding… live by faith…. and we try. Usually, such teachings are misunderstood and misrepresented. Jesus, through Mary, became human and divine. He was encountered as human. Our bodies matter too. Jesus is very clear about this – seeing that the disciples needed a break after their labours, feeding crowds of people that were hungry in many ways! And lots of meals out!
And the needs of the sick – bodies needing sustenance, touch, recognition, care and respect. Even Paul makes a case for ‘the flesh’ in his letter to the Ephesians. And the desire and need to bear children, encoded into humanity, yet not always understood; not always wanted and not always received the same….. this too is a source of transformation in so may ways.
I cannot imagine, someone having been childless, being faithful in prayer and commitment to God, yearning to be a mother, and then much later, once blessed, to give thanks for God’s gift…. and dedicate the child to the service of God. For me, there may be many reasons why I say “I cannot imagine…” – gender, culture, perception of faith…. Yet I might hope to view such a sacrifice, as Annes, through the prism of love…. Or at least try to….
Humans are capable of such amazing love…. A gift to us through the divine grace of God. It guides us to places that the worldliness of common sense cannot go! If you are involved in the care of others…. Or of any of the beautiful gifts God has blessed this world with, then you will know what I mean.
When we make commitments to God, in service, in life changes, in begging new opportunities whatever it is, it is all possible through Grace….. and we are enabled with love. In our prayers, and as we gather around the table to share as friends, as Jesus did with His friends, may we remember all we are blessed with and ask how we have been called to the service of God.
Finally, for Anne, the Patron Saint of grandparents and mothers, mine-workers and metalworker, we give our thanks.
For the woman whose faith, perseverance, and ultimately the dedication of her only child, in whose name our church is dedicated, we might show our gratitude through lives of Christian service and commitment.
We might not always set out to give of ourselves in ways that seem incredible or impossible…. Yet God meets us on the journey, takes our hand and leads us on.
Hold that thought in the days to come.
Thanks be to God
Amen.
Image: One of many similarly styled icons, of Eastern Orthodox origin. I could not find a definitive authorship.
(1) Apologies if the word “Matronal” is already in use! If it’s not, then it should be imho.
Keir Starmer’s first speech as Prime Minister: 5 July 2024
Collect for St Anne & St Joachim
Lord God of Israel,
who bestowed such grace on Anne and Joachim
that their daughter Mary grew up obedient to your word
and made ready to be the mother of your Son:
help us to commit ourselves in all things to your keeping
and grant us the salvation you promised to your people;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.