Today we celebrate the great feast day of Saints Joachim and Anne, patron saints of grandparents! We have been hearing the parable of the sower in the gospel readings at Mass this week. The “rich soil” is in the hearts of those who receive the seed of the word of God “with understanding” and “bear fruit”. What is the proof of understanding? Joachim and Anne show us that perseverance is the proof of understanding. We show we have the word of God at work in our lives by the way we cling faithfully no matter what, and this couple persevered in waiting and following the Lord until they were finally rewarded with bearing the fruit of the Mother of the new creation in Jesus Christ. Barrenness led to new life for the whole world by PERSEVERANCE in faith. Those who persevere in faith prove that they understand the word of God and they will be rewarded. Pray for grandparents who continue to bear abundant fruit which we all enjoy in our own families and the Church!