Heaven is promised

(Homily of Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao during the 74th Parochial Fiesta of Sta. Ana Shrine Parish, July 26, 2023)

“O Lord, God of our fathers, who bestowed, on Sts. Anne and Joachim this grace, that on them should be born the mother of your incarnate son. Grant, through the prayers of both that we on earth, may attain this salvation you have promised to your people.”

Already, we are given that strong hint, that strong signal that we are given a particular reminder, keep in mind that we pray together in this mass, in this shrine, with our Lord, through the intercession of Saints Anne and Joachim, the grace nga unta madawat nato this salvation promised to his people. Grabe ang panglantaw dili lang lateral but medyo level up, remember where you are going to, remember the journey towards the kingdom, this salvation promised to God’s people.

So today, maybe we have some particular intentions, that we ask St. Anne in particular, to pray for us, intercede for us, these are valid concerns. But maayo unta, this fiesta ang atong tinguha, level up-that we will go to heaven, we’ll reach heaven.

For this prayer, I think we have 2 good news that will help us (with Sts. Anne and Joachim) be on track in preparing to go to heaven.

First, we are presented of the heart, mindset of man and woman that God is trying to be patient. On this fiesta of the mother of Blessed Mother Mary, let’s ask Sts. Anne and Joachim to help us with our grumbling, to help us form, cultivate our heart of deep confidence that God will take care of us.

Second, may St. Anne and St. Joachim help us to see the mind and heart of God, that we may understand. In us, there are moments and aspects and areas in our lives which are rocky, but perhaps we have moments in our lives which are fertile soil and God will continue to reach to us.

St. Joaquin and St. Anne help us to understand this graciousness of God.