July 26—Sts. Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

July 26—Sts. Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Just like everyone else, Mary had parents, and Jesus had grandparents.  We know them as Sts. Joachim and Anne.  Although not mentioned in Scripture, their legend comes from a second century document, the Protoevangelium of James.  Regardless of the lack of historical evidence, we can say that Mary’s parents were the first teachers of Mary.  Through a special grace of God, they conceived Mary without original sin.  They were the ones who instilled in her the habits and virtues that enabled her to respond with loving obedience to God’s request to be the Mother of the Son of God, Jesus Incarnate.  Joachim and Anne were faithful Jews who taught Mary to be a faithful Jew who taught Jesus to be a faithful Jew.  They were the ones who set the tone for the raising of Jesus.  

Grandparents do set the tone for future generations.  Their examples guide the parents of grandchildren.  Their faith and hope and love and perseverance give strength to those who come after them.  We remember our grandparents for their holiness and for their love of us.  As grandparents, we can do the same for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  We are called to be loving, prayerful, and perseverant, so that when we are called home our descendants may remember us as loving them for the sake of loving God.  Sts. Joachim and Anne, patron saints of grandparents, set the bar high, but with God’s grace, we too can show future generations the benefits of a constant love, the love of Christ.