Our culture loves all things new and immediate. We love the latest technology, the ease of communication and the speed of transportation. There is nothing necessarily wrong with liking or wanting these things. It does, however, sometimes blind us to other, more important things. Not everything new is better. In fact, not everything new is even new! Scripture tells us that there is “nothing new under the sun” (Eccl 1:9). Likewise, what is immediate and efficient is not always better. Sometimes we need to pause or slow down to find a more human pace of life, and that which is time-tested often provides us perspective on what we need in our immediate circumstances.
On the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis gives us an opportunity to detach from the seemingly new and immediate and to honor those who teach us another way. The theme of this year’s celebration is “In old age they will still bear fruit” (Ps 92:15). The celebration falls on the fourth Sunday of July, the Sunday closest to the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. This day is an occasion for us to slow down, to appreciate the wisdom of years past, and to thank those who have handed it down to us. In short, it is a time to receive and to give.
First, it is a time to receive and to appreciate all that they have given us. Many of us have wonderful memories of our grandparents. Maybe we recall a celebration or family tradition, or perhaps simply their presence in our lives. We might have a keepsake that reminds us of them, of the times we shared with them one-on-one, and of their love for us. We treasure their stories and advice. These things remind us of what we have received — and continue to receive — from them.
One thing we receive from them is perspective in the here and now. We live in turbulent times. We can focus so much on our current circumstances that we give them an outsized importance and perhaps think that we are alone in facing our challenges. Our grandparents and the elderly put things in perspective and teach us that we are not alone. They remind us that there have been difficulties in the past — often greater than our current difficulties — and that many have gone before us and have faced similar struggles. They themselves struggled, suffered setbacks and sorrows, but still found much joy in their lives. By looking back and reflecting, we can see that they are able to offer us unparalleled advice and perspective.
At WorkCamp, our high schoolers often get to know the elderly residents whose homes they are repairing. As the young people listen to the stories of the elderly, their world is broadened and they are truly inspired. In that moment, they are freed from the bondage of the immediate. They gain perspective on their own times by seeing them in the light of those who have gone ahead of them.
The elderly also pass on to us the Church’s faith and traditions. This inheritance gives us strength in present trials and hope for the future. Many current ideas and ideologies compete for our attention. But they are passing. Our grandparents and the elderly give us the enduring truths that have built up our Church and our nation. They teach us the importance of our faith for strengthening us in our difficulties and preparing us for the future. That is why I am always moved when children choose a grandparent to be their Confirmation sponsor. Seeking the wisdom of the elderly is a sign of maturity!
The World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly is an opportunity to give. Since they have given us so much, we should give back to them. What we have to give to them is both simple and powerful: time, attention and love. In light of this celebration, I encourage, first of all, families to reach out and to visit their elderly family members and friends. What a great consolation and joy for them to receive the affection of their grandchildren, to see their work and wisdom continue in future generations. Parishes also could organize children from the school or from the youth group to visit the homebound or those in the many assisted living facilities in our diocese. The exchange of wisdom and joy in such visits benefit both the children and the elderly. Finally, our young adults have much enthusiasm and zeal to bring to the elderly, as well as much to learn from them. We teach young people to honor the elderly when we live out the virtues and values passed on to us, and we appreciate the elderly when we keep them in our daily prayers. What important lessons to help them through life!
Indeed, “In old age they will still bear fruit!” Let us detach ourselves from our culture’s busyness so that we can both treasure what we receive from our grandparents and the elderly and be generous in giving back!
