Day Four: Novena to Our Lady of Good Help, Queen of Families February 4

Tradition suggests that Anne and Joachim endured many years of infertility. Intense prayer and fasting were their consolation in this desert of barrenness. At long last, Mary, chosen spouse of the Holy Spirit and mother of the Christ, was fashioned from their union. Her soul was free from the stain of sin inherited from our first parents. From the depth of their faith, Anne and Joachim instructed Mary in wisdom. Under their canopy, this daughter of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob grew in faithfulness and virtue before God in preparation for her great Fiat.

As chosen grandparents of the long-awaited Messiah, Anne and Joachim must have marveled at their unique role in Jesus’ life. Certainly from their lap familial tales and sweet praises were entrusted to the little Christ Child.

Our Struggles Today

So often we are tempted to believe that the elderly are a burden to society. Their physical afflictions and mental deterioration hinder us from seeing the unique and important role they play in our families and in our culture. In rejecting them, we are deprived of knowing our heritage. Our children are robbed not only of the consolation of their grandparents, but also of their wisdom.