Saint Joachim and Anne: The Parents of Mary and Grandparents of Jesus

The Scriptures offer us everything necessary about Jesus for our salvation. We come to understand Christ through His revelations and the inspired writings of the Scriptures. While this is sufficient for our faith, our love for Jesus often drives us to desire more details about His life. The Gospel of John even hints that the story of Jesus is so expansive it couldn’t be contained in all the books of the world.

Despite this, we accept what has been revealed as enough, but our curiosity about the hidden aspects of His life remains. Did He fear the dark as a child? Was He awkward during adolescence? What games did He play, and who were His friends? What was His home life in Nazareth like? Christ seems to guide us to focus on what He has revealed and our mission rather than on such speculations, yet these questions persist.

Throughout history, some have created stories claiming to reveal the hidden details of Jesus' life. The Church, however, clarifies that such works, regardless of their eloquence, are not to be considered genuine revelation.

Today, the Church celebrates two saints closely connected to Christ’s hidden years: Joachim and Anne. As the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they are Jesus' grandparents. Although their names are not mentioned in the Scriptures, they have been preserved through tradition. Their exact role in Jesus' life is largely unknown, but their influence, like most grandparents, was likely profound.

Exploring Joachim and Anne’s story through queer theology reveals intriguing elements of rejection and divine intervention that resonate with experiences familiar to many in the LGBTQ+ community. For example, Joachim's sacrifice at the temple was rejected, and their childlessness was interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure (Protoevangelium of James, ch. 1, vv. 2-4). This mirrors the rejection experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals who may face stigmatisation or judgment for not conforming to societal or religious expectations.

Joachim’s retreat to the desert for 40 days of fasting and penance symbolises a profound personal and spiritual exile, akin to the marginalised experiences often faced by LGBTQ+ individuals seeking acceptance and understanding. This narrative of isolation and penance highlights a form of rejection that transcends mere societal norms, touching on deeper, existential challenges.

The appearance of angels to both Joachim and Anne, promising them a child, introduces an element of the miraculous and the unexpected. This divine intervention disrupts their previous experiences of rejection and points to a transformative shift, reflecting the possibility of hope and acceptance emerging from rejection. It parallels how LGBTQ+ individuals might find affirmation and support in unexpected places or through transformative experiences.

Consider Joachim and Anne as part of the family that nurtured and guided Jesus. Imagine Him assisting His grandfather, comforting His grandmother, or listening to stories about His mother’s childhood. Their deaths might have been among the first to profoundly affect Him, and He may have pondered their thoughts on God. Did they perceive His divine nature?

The mystery of the Incarnation can sometimes lose its depth as we age, viewing the story of Christ’s birth as just another seasonal tale. This is a grave mistake; the Incarnation is not merely a story but the story—the most extraordinary event ever or to ever occur. However, it’s worth noting that some might hold more progressive or varied views on the significance of Jesus’ birth, seeing it through different lenses or in the context of broader theological or historical perspectives. Nevertheless, the Incarnation remains a profoundly transformative event, embodying God's entry into human experience in a real and specific way.

Though we know little about Joachim and Anne, their role in Jesus’ life was undoubtedly unique and significant. Their story, marked by rejection and divine intervention, reflects broader themes of disruption and grace. One day, perhaps, they will share their experiences with us, and we will gain a fuller understanding of their place in the divine narrative.

Image Title: "Veiled Echoes" Source: Midjourney’s image generation model.