July 27. Sunday 17C. Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Fr Patrick said, “The theme Pope Francis chose for the 2025 special day for Grandparents and the Elderly is  “Blessed are those who have not lost hope.”  Isn’t that a nice clever positive choice.  When Pope Francis gave us Amoris Laetitia, his letter about the family, he did also include the elderly as well as grandparents who may not be very old at all. So their needs can be quite different but they certainly both need to be cared for, treated with love and avoid becoming alone and lonely, or a burden to others especially their children or grandchildren.   Much of the time it is the other way round, with grandmothers mainly spending their time, energy and money caring rather than being cared for.  Today more grandparents live alone and some live with their children, as was much more common before.  Wherever they are they all need to be remembered from time to time and encouraged not to lose hope during this special Jubilee year.  Today is such a time, and we can think of all grandparents, also in honour of Joanchim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, as well as older people too.  

Scripture:   Read and reflect on Luke’s version of the Our Father.  When you pray say, Our Father.  Luke 11:1-13.   Pope Francis:  The elderly who are vulnerable and dependent are at times unfairly exploited simply for economic advantage.  AL48. In old age they can still bear fruit.” Ps 92:15) the theme for the second World Day. They run counter to what the world thinks about this stage of life, but also to the attitude of grim resignation shown by some of us elderly people, who harbour few expectations for the future.  A society that has no room for the elderly or discards them because they create problems has a deadly virus.  AL 193 JUBILEE. A long life – so the Bible teaches – is a blessing, and the elderly are not outcasts to be shunned, but living signs of the goodness of God, who bestows life in abundance.   Blessed is the house where an older person lives! Blessed is the family that honours the elderly!   Blessed are they who do not lose hope.”  5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in Jubilee year 2025. Act and pray. For the needs of families, especially as and for grandparents and the elderly.

BEATITUDES FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY

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