MARFAM WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER 8 JULY 2026
For resources for the Day for Grandparents and the Elderly https://marfam.org.za/grandparents-day-2026/
The Beatitudes have been one of my preferred reflections for a long time. As a catechist in my early years I tended to use the 10 commandments as an Examination of Conscience when dealing with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Then at some time I was introduced to the concept of the Kingdom of God. Building the kingdom with the use of the Beatitudes as a manifesto for the Kingdom and an expression of the Spirit of the Kingdom as proposed and lived by Jesus himself is a spirituality that suits me. It sounded like a more positive upbuilding approach. I have since that time used the Beatitudes to reflect on my life and in formation and reflection on life in general and also with the MARFAM resource materials.
At some stage we composed a BEATITUDES FOR FAMILIES and then already 20 years ago I composed the BEATITUDES FOR GRANDPARENTS. I think it has been quite widely used, I know that for me and for MARFAM and even for RADIO VERITAS it has become a regular addition to grandparenting month. And speaking of building,“building the civilization of love” that Pope Leo writes of in Magnifica Humanitas resonates very powerfully with MARFAM’s vision, I remembered that in 1994 at the 1st World Meeting of Families the theme was, “Family, Heart of the Civilization of Love.” May grandparents and the elderly ultimately be a contributor as well as a beneficiary of this dream.
SOME THOUGHTS ON SYNODALITY. In our day now, as the Church is promoting and implementing synodality I believe that our Beatitudes prayer can also be an inspirational reflection using the synodal dialogue process known as Conversation in the Spirit. See the attached diagram.
The terminology and the process are still unfamiliar to many Catholics although various quite similar processes are used in faith sharing in some Small Christian communities, in families, Renew type meetings, dialogue as used by Marriage Encounter and its related programmes too. It’s all about communication meaningfully, walking together, learning from each other and mutual agreement while applying the discipline of allowing everyone’s voice to be heard and valued.
The process can be used, as appropriate or with some modification in many contexts, but the essentials are important. Sharing from the heart and listening, responding to what has been said and heard and prayer for a meaningful outcome. This can be incorporated into church business meetings in addition to faith sharing formats.
MARFAM THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY, The basic SEE-JUDGE-ACT format with some adaptation can incorporate this approach to dialogue, of attentive listening and sharing from the heart at each level, in order to communicate as deeply and meaningfully as possible on our common faith journey. The approach may need to be promoted and taught for families and groups. Reflections can be done as an individual or in groups, but the ideal is for building relationships and communication as a means for family strengthening.
BEATITUDES FOR GRANDPARENTS.
The sharing process can also be used in the Beatitudes for Grandparents, either the whole set or just one or two of the statements for deeper reflection.. Simple questions can be asked as the process is followed.
- Sharing/listening. What are my thoughts and feelings on hearing the examples? How do they relate to my own experience?
- Share: What have I learned from listening to other peoples’ stories?
- What is Scripture and Church teaching telling us about God?
- Let us pray, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us as we discern about any action or a way forward resulting from our sharing. .
BEATITUDES FOR GRANDPARENTS
Blessed are the poor in spirit …. as they will not see their grandparents as a mealticket to the future.
Blessed are the gentle, as they will recognise and be patient with the weaknesses of old age.
Blessed are they who mourn, and who comfort the bereaved and lonely in their loss. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, …. that the old and weak will not be cast aside but be treated with dignity and respect.
Blessed are they who are merciful and who forgive the old for the faults and failings of yesteryear.
Blessed are the pure in heart, who see the old and young as they really are.
Blessed are the peace-makers and the agents for reconciliation between generations. Blessed are they who accept with grace the wisdom of old age.
Blessed are they who can look back on a life of integrity and know they are loved. Blessed are they who do not judge their young, so that they will not be judged.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because they do what is right, standing up with courage to defend what they have learned through the years.
Blessed are the old and the young, children, parents and grandparents who acknowledge with gratitude the great gift of life they have been given to share.
……… for the Kingdom of God is theirs.
TRowland MARFAM 26 July 2001
An example of an extended reflection on Beatitude 1.
EXAMPLE 1. SEE: A LOOK AT LIFE. . BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT ……. As they will not see their grandparents as a mealticket to the future.
##. Are older people or grandparents generous, or stingy and mean? Are they saving for their own old age and what medical care they might need? Society encourages us to build up a nest-egg and remain independent. Is that always possible? Different cultures have different habits and traditions. Reflect, share and pray.
##. Percy is for every asking his grandparents for money. “I need…… “ do grandchildren expect to get what they want or need? Is that their right? Is this abuse, exploitation or a normal fact of life? Reflect, share, pray.
EXAMPLE. 2. Blessed are they who are merciful and who forgive the old for the faults and failings of yesteryear.
## Bruce, one of a big family of 5 children had gone his own way quite early in life, after falling out with his father. He went overseas and almost lost touch with his parents. Had they forgotten him? Was it his mom’s prayers that brought him home to reconnect with his dad at the end of his life? Do parents and grandparents pray regularly for their children and grandchildren? Do you? Reflect, share, pray.
Returning to Pope Leo’s call to build a civilisation of love. He suggests some ways, attitudes and practices to do so: Disarming words, taking the perspective of a victim, realism, peace and dialogue. May the extended family of all ages, sizes and shapes be a home for such a civilisation. TR. 8 JULY 2026
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 8 JULY
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY. THE POWER OF MERCY IN FRAGILITY.
July 8. SEE. Christopher looked at his wife and shared a story in the group that was close to their hearts. “For us the prophet Hosea had a powerful message. We did enjoy the good times at one stage in our lives and I admit I was unfaithful to her. I know it broke her heart but we were blessed that a catechist friend introduced us to the prophet Hosea, who uses the issue of Israel’s unfaithfulness by relating it to the human condition. It was gradually able to bring about a conversion for us and here we are happily together, 30 years later.
JUDGE. Reflect and share. Scripture. Israel is a luxuriant vine that yields its fruit. Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt. Sow yourselves righteousness; reap the fruit of mercy, for it is the time to seek the Lord. From Hosea 10:1-12. Pope Francis: Whenwe have been offended or let down, forgiveness is possible, and desirable but no one can say that it is easy. The truth is that family communion can only be preserved and perfected through a great spirit of sacrifice. AL106. Pope Leo: When “we acknowledge our fragility, our hearts become open to supporting one another and to invoking the One who can grant what no human power can ensure: the profound reconciliation of hearts and, with it, true peace” from Algeria meeting April 2026. In Message for Grandparents and elderly. I will never forget you.
ACT AND PRAY. Reflect, share and pray for those we know and love who are hurting in their relationships. Pray the Prayer of St Francis and pray for grandparents and the elderly. We pray for God’s blessing on the grandparents and elderly of our families and community, bless them with peace and contentment and an acceptance that their lives were well spent in your service. We ask St Joachim and St Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, to pray with us.
Recent Comments