July 23, 2023
My Dad’s mom – I called her Mom-Mom – used to come to our house every Tuesday. I couldn’t wait to get home from school, for she would already be sitting at the kitchen table talking with my Mom over a cup of tea as my mom prepared dinner. As soon as I changed out of my school uniform and did some homework, MomMom would go for a walk with me through the neighborhood, play a game of “Go Fish” or even get down on the floor to play with my Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars. They were special moments that I continue to cherish into adulthood and could very well be why Tuesday has always been my favorite day of the week.
When my grandmother passed away many years ago now, I was given a little miniature pewter statue of St. Jude that she carried with her in her purse. It is no bigger than a child’s pinky finger, so it didn’t take up room amidst the other contents that filled the cavernous depths of her handbag. What makes this mini-statue special to me is that she carried it in honor of the saint for whom I was named when I was born prematurely, and she had special devotion to him throughout her life.
Funny thing about it – she wasn’t Catholic. Devotion to the saints wasn’t a part of her faith tradition. And yet, St. Jude grabbed a hold of her heart. I think my Mom-Mom would be pleased that I have been sent to a parish whose mission church has been named in honor of him. I know I am.
This week ahead, the Church celebrates the feast of Saints Anne and Joachim (July 26), the parents of Our Lady and the grandparents of Jesus. Although Scripture does not mention them by name, it is a beautiful tradition that has been passed on throughout the centuries in our Church. God Himself became man and had grandparents who loved him and doted on him (I’d like to think) as much as our grandparents do for us.
In a special way, then, let us offer prayers of thanksgiving for our grandparents – both living and deceased – and if we are grandparents ourselves, may we always strive to instill the beautiful little faith traditions in our grandchildren that will one day flower into a mature faith of their own that they will pass on to their own kids.
Yes, it might seem impossible in some cases – the culture is fighting us in so many ways these days. But don’t give up … and have no fear – I know a saint that is perfect for just such situations!