12-7-13- Anna and Joachim

23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,

the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat,

the son of Levi, the son of Melki,

the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,

25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos,

the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,

the son of Naggai, 

Thoughts: Scripture seems to want us to know something about the genealogy of Jesus.  But it says it goes through Joseph in both Matthew and Luke.  Most traditional biblical scholars believe that Luke focuses on Mary's genealogy.  Protoevangelum of James (2nd century) says that Anna and Joachim (Heli is a variation of Eliachim/Joachim)  were Mary's parents.  They were said to have lived in Jerusalem and then Sephorus (near Nazareth).
    The actual Bible is silent about her parents.  The focus is more on Jesus than Mary.  But if even Joseph had doubts, you can bet Mary's parents wondered what their daughter had done to get pregnant.  Tradition says they were supportive.  But it is hard to make an argument from silence.  Perhaps they were supportive of Mary but also struggled as human beings with what was going on.  In the struggles of life, it is important to trust in God.  When our children upset us, it is important to trust God.  When neighbors may look down on the behavior of our children, it is still important to love our children.  

Prayer: Lord, when my children do things that make me sad, help me to be graceful and patient that your will comes forth clearly and freely.  Give me grace to love my children even when I think they may be wrong.