Yahweh Prepares

I am a proud parent. I'm not afraid to admit I have lived vicariously through my own children. All my schoolboy miscues have long been wiped clean through the triumphs of John, Jessica and James.

I am also a joyful grandparent; I love having Nathaniel and Ayva in my life. I no longer measure time by the changing seasons but instead through steps first taken, a spoken word, or blocks stacked one atop the other. Time marks slowly when measured by the day which is all just fine by me. Every grandparent shares these joys.

Today Julie and I visited the Basilica of Saint Anne de Beaupre. Saint Anne was the mother of Mary. Her husband was Joachim, the grandfather of Jesus. Until today I had never even given thought to Jesus having a grandfather, but he did. We met him through the stained glass windows flanking the altar of the Holy Family.

I couldn't help but think as I studied Joachim that he and I were kindred spirits. Not exclusively linked mind you, but universally joined through the fraternal order of grandads.

If we had the chance to speak, I bet he'd tell me of a boy chasing his own shadow, or of the first time Jesus called him Papa. He would tell me of the day when Jesus fell asleep in his arms as he was reading a bedtime story. Joachim would recount the first time Jesus said he loved him. Every grandparent shares these joys.

Nice to meet you, Saint Joachim. I can't wait to hear more stories about your grandson. I'll bring a few of my own.

POSTLUDE:

Do you think Joachim played up Jesus to his pals? You know how proud a grandfather can be when his grandson has a special talent - Little League slugger, spelling bee champ, Old Testament expert.

"Jesus, come sit with Papa for a minute. Hey, Baruch, a leg of lamb says he can list off the sons of the sons of Noah in less than thirty seconds. What say you, you game? Go ahead and ask him, I dare you!"