Memorial of Joachim and Anne

What can we learn from saints we know nothing about, like Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary, and how we can honor them? Whatever their names really were, the parents of Mary nurtured her, taught her, and raised her up to be a worthy mother. It was the teaching of Joachim and Anne that guided Mary’s obedient response to God’s request, “Let it be done to me as you will.” It was their example of parenting that Mary followed as she brought up her own son, Jesus. It was their faith that laid the foundation for her courage and gave her the strength to stand by the cross as her son was crucified. Yes, the parents of Mary, the grandparents of Jesus, deserve the honor we give them today.  By their fruits we know they are worthy of our respect and love, for in the kingdom of God they shine like the sun.