From today's Liturgy of the Hours:
"From an ancient tradition, going back even to the second century, the parents of the Virgin Mary are known by the names of Joachim and Ann. Devotion to Saint Ann is found in the sixth century in the East, and by the tenth century it was widespread in the West. Saint Joachim was likewise honored, but at a more recent date."While it is great to honor them as the parent's of Mary, with the focus traditionally on Mary's Immaculate Conception, I want to take another angle. That is, they are Jesus' Grandparents! Now really, how cool is that?
I can't help but wonder what they were like? In looking at my own grandparents and how special they have been in my own life I have to ponder what sort of relationship Jesus had with his? Recently, my wife and boys and I got to spend a week with my parents and my mother's parents on vacation. Seeing my sons fall asleep in the arms and laps of my parents and grandparents, and seeing the smiles on their faces each morning as they got to see Papa and Grandma and Great Grandpa and GG, is a memory that I will always treasure. Could it be that Jesus did the same? How could it not be?
And even if Jesus' grandparents died before he got to know them, the stories told at family meals must have had a profound impact on him. So to all Grandparents today, thank you.
So we pray:
God of our fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, you gave Saints Joachim and Ann the privilege of being the parents of Mary, the mother of your Incarnate Son. May their prayers help us to attain the salvation you have promised to your people. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
