Dear Friends,
Grandparents have come into their own in our time and place
as a major influence in the lives of their grandchildren. Grandparents cheer
the young ones on, sometimes raise their grands, and are certainly full of
stories of their grands, complete with photos on their cell phones. It seems
fitting then that, in the height of summer, the Church celebrates the feast of
Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus
(July 26 in the USA, July 25 in Canada).
We don’t know much about Joachim and Anne, except from
stories that circulated about them. One version says that before he went off to
pray, Joachim was considered sterile. Afterwards, he and Anne had Mary, and
when she was three, they presented her to God in the temple of Jerusalem (Feast
of the Presentation of Mary, November 21). It is said that Joachim died when
Mary was little, and eventually, Anne remarried. Anne continued to be devoted
to Mary, and in the images of the two of them together that have come down
through history, Mary is always standing
at the side of Anne who is teaching her to read. Quite remarkable when we
consider the age in which they lived.
Pope Francis has taken the natural affinity that exists
between grandparents and their grands, and has encouraged their roles.
“(Grandparents) have the strength to leave us a noble inheritance…they transmit
history…doctrine…faith and give it to us …passing on the human and religious
heritage which is essential for each and every society… Grandparents’ words
have something special for young people. And they know it.”
Pope Francis also gives grandparents and the elderly some
instructions. He tells them “talk to your children, talk. Let them ask
questions…You are an important presence, because… you witness to the values
that really matter and which endure forever.” And of course, the Pope asks
grandparents to pray for their grandchildren, invoking Saint Anne in particular
”Everyone ask Anne to teach us to be good and wise grandparents.”
Today, if you have a chance, think about your own
grandparents and what each of them has meant to you. What have they taught you?
What kind of person have you become because of your grandparents?
And if you have children, what have your parents been to
them?
Today, say the names of your grandparents one by one. Tell
them you are grateful for them. Whether they are living or dead, ask them to be
with you, to hold you close to lead you to the Lord.
And if you don’t know your grandparents but have relatives
who have known them, ask them. Take time to find out who your grandparents are/were at their deepest level. You will be the richer for it.
~Sister Joan Sobala
