MONTHLY REFLECTIONS

Mary Comforter of the Afflicted is one simple aspect of the Blessed Virgin. I would like you to consider the two aspects from which this attribute has come, with what blessing and example this characteristic was formed. The Catechism of the Church refers to the Constitution of the Church Lumen Gentium (LG) which states, “The Virgin Mary, who at the message of the angel received the Word of God in her heart and in her body and gave Life to the world, is acknowledged and honoured as being truly the Mother of God and Mother of the Redeemer. Redeemed by reason of the merits of her Son and united to Him by a close and indissoluble tie, she is endowed with the high office and dignity of being the Mother of the Son of God, by which account she is also the beloved daughter of the Father and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Because of this gift of sublime grace, she far surpasses all creatures, both in heaven and on earth. (LG53)

“At the same time, however, because she belongs to the offspring of Adam, she is one with all those who are to be saved. She is the mother of the members of Christ .. . having cooperated by charity that faithful might be born in the Church, who are members of that Head. Wherefore she is hailed as a pre-eminent and singular member of the Church, and as its type and excellent exemplar in faith and charity. The Catholic Church, taught by the Holy Spirit, honours her with filial affection and piety as a most beloved mother.” (LG53)

There is unfortunately no direct reference to Mary’s own family, who were likely residents of Nazareth. Christian tradition, however, has passed down the names of her parents: Joachim and Anne. There are other written accounts naming them, while not historically reliable, offer us a picture of a simple and humble couple. Though unaware of their daughter’s extraordinary mission, they welcomed her and |raised her in a spirit of faith, opening their hearts to God’s gift.

We have presented before us, therefore, a historically hidden pair of parents, who in striving to fulfill the will of God to the best of their ability are revealed as direct links to our salvation. Their example, and life of prayerfulness help to maintain the vocation of the singular role of cooperation in the salvation history of the world. Saint Anne is often depicted teaching the young Mary to read the Bible—a symbol of the |transmission of faith and wisdom. Icons shows Joachim and Anne kissing upon learning of their daughter’s conception: a tender image of marital love and their participation in the mystery of the Incarnation.

The holiness and courage of these parents can be sensed in the family environment that surrounds Mary in the Gospels. Mary’s inner strength, her ability to make important decisions, her life of constant prayer, her observance of religious laws, her faithfulness in times of trial, and her care for relatives—all reflect a united and deeply faithful family that knew how to hold on to tradition while remaining open to newness.

Joachim and Anne represent all those quiet and faithful generations who lived out their faith with integrity, passing on religious values and, unknowingly, preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. They remain in the background, but their role was essential.

In every sense, the role of parent or grandparent is revealed as an important mission given by God to shape the future by passing on the best of the past, to keep the good alive and offer them as a gift to the younger generations. With this comes the realisation that this also calls the young to recognize and appreciate the wisdom of the elderly, who have a deeper understanding of life, born from experience and reflection. It is a wisdom that should not be ignored but heard with attention and respect.

FR EUGENE ASHKAR
PARISH PRIEST
ST MARY’S CHURCH
SEYMOUR, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA