Wrapped in love

In July we celebrate the feasts of two holy people Anna and Joachim, who are not mentioned in the Scriptures. But we know them through our oral tradition as the parents of Mary, the mother of Jesus. They are Jesus’ grandparents!

I remember only one grandparent, my mother's mother, but I remember her well. We lived quite close by, so at a very young age I would be invited onto her front porch on a pleasant afternoon to enjoy bread and brown sugar accompanied by "cambric tea." It was she who produced that longed-for birthday present that my parents thought I could well do without. And as the turbulent teens approached, it was Grandma who listened, then listened again to all my troubles, offering in exchange a small smile, a comforting hug and, occasionally, a little gentle advice.

What a wonderful portrait of God! There is God, ready to welcome us with bread and brown sugar when things are going well but just as ready to offer comfort and encouragement when life we are feeling down. How truly we are blessed to be wrapped in such love.

Mary Buckley CSJ