Feast of Saints Ann and Joachim
Readings:
Sirach 44:1, 10-15
Matthew 13: 16-17
Reflection:
“Who are your people?”
It’s disconcerting to meet a stranger and be asked that question. We were in Ireland, near the village, my great-great-grandfather had come from and chatting with our B&B host. I explained the connection. The response came, “You have the look of them.” Later we went to Mass in the village. It was obvious that I did, in fact, have the look of them. It looked more like a family reunion than a parish.
Along with the realisation that part of my family has very dominant genes, two features of the church had an enormous impact on me. The first was the baptismal font which looked older than the rest of the church. Here was the place where some of my ancestors could have been welcomed into the Church. The second was the large stained-glass window above the altar. It depicted people gathered around a Mass rock. Here was a community who had taken huge risks for their faith, even under the threat of death. I was left in awe of my ancestors and wondering about their individual stories.
Today we celebrate the feast of St Joachim and St Anne, known as the maternal grandparents of Jesus. Their names and what we know of them comes from the apocryphal Gospel of James. Joachim and Anne are Jesus’ people. Perhaps there was some physical similarity, some traits or ways of being that indicated the connection between Jesus, his grandparents and extended family. They were people of faith, sharing that gift with Mary and their grandson, passed to them through the generations.
We are all influenced by our ancestors whether by nature, or if were lucky enough to have them around to nurture us. As we celebrate St Joachim and St Anne and their importance in the life of Jesus, let us give thanks for those who have come before us and the gifts they have given us.
Alison Gore is a parishioner at St Paul of the Cross, Glen Osmond. She works in education and formation.