Memorial of Saints Joachim and Ann, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Jeremiah
14:17-22; Matthew 13:36-43)
Many like
to think of Saints Joachim and Anne as the grandparents of Jesus. They likely do so because grandparents today
are often principal influences on the religious development of children. The Church, on the other hand, name Joachim
and Anne as only “the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” Because all that is said of them comes from apocryphal
stories, it need not treat them at all. Yet
they provide a lens for considering Christ’s role in the world.
Today’s
first reading should remind us of what is happening in Ukraine. Jeremiah describes the complete destruction
of Jerusalem much like what has happened in Mariupol and other Ukrainian cities. That country is being demolished to the
discouragement of the people. In the reading
the prophet can only cry to God in penitence and supplication.
After World
War II our grandparents left us a legacy of hope. They struggled to overcome the tyranny of the
Nazis and of the Communists. Trusting in
the Lord, they structured a peaceful world with the United Nations as a
principal resource. It was obviously not
a perfect arrangement. Today we Christians
turn again to Christ with an appeal for wisdom, strength, and patience. We see in him the means of grace to shape a
peace based on justice in the Ukraine.
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