Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

[cappie]

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although the Scriptures do not mention them by name, their faith and devotion played a vital role in God's plan of salvation. St. Joachim and St. Anne's teach us lessons about faith, perseverance, and the significance of family in God's divine plan.

As we commemorate their feast, let us draw inspiration from their example and deepen our understanding of the importance of faith and family in our own lives.

St. Joachim and St. Anne lived during a time of great trial and longing for the coming of the Messiah. They endured the burden of childlessness, which, in their culture, was considered a source of shame. Despite their struggles, they remained faithful to God, trusting in His providence and His promises.

Their unwavering faith and perseverance in the face of adversity remind us that God's timing and ways are beyond our understanding. They teach us to remain steadfast in prayer and hope, even in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties.

God chose St. Joachim and St. Anne to be the earthly parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who would give birth to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through their willingness to embrace God's plan, they played a crucial role in salvation history.

Their lives teach us to be open to God's call and to trust in His wisdom, even when His plan for us may be different from what we had envisioned. Just as they willingly accepted the responsibility of raising the young Mary, we too are called to embrace God's plan for our lives, knowing that His ways are always for our ultimate good.

 St. Joachim and St. Anne created a home filled with love, faith, and virtue, shaping the life of Mary, who would become the Mother of God.  

Their example reminds us of the irreplaceable role families play in passing on the faith to the next generation. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers, are called to cultivate an environment of love and faith, nurturing the spiritual growth of their children and grandchildren.

While we know little about the details of St. Joachim and St. Anne's lives, tradition holds that they were fervent in prayer. Their intercessions were answered through the miraculous conception of the Virgin Mary.

As a couple who experienced the pain of childlessness, they are a source of hope and comfort for those facing similar struggles. They remind us of the power of prayer and intercession, inviting us to bring our petitions before God with confidence, trusting in His providence and grace.

  St. Joachim and St. Anne lived lives of faith, perseverance, and dedication to family. May we learn from their example of trust in God's plan and the power of intercessory prayer. Like St. Joachim and St. Anne, may we be open to God's call, embracing His plan for our lives with unwavering trust,  may their intercession and the example of their lives draw us closer to God and strengthen our own families in faith and love.

 

[BarbTherese]