And he began the message reflecting on a short, but poignant line from Psalm 92. The Psalm, speaking of the just ones, the righteous ones who walk in the ways of the Lord, who are planted in the house of the Lord, says “ They shall bear fruit even in old age, they will stay fresh and green”
The Holy Father says, “these words of the Psalmist are glad tidings, a true “gospel”…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 harbor few expectations for the future.”
I encourage you to read the rest of the Holy Father’s message—I’ve printed out a few copies and also linked the message on my personal Facebook page.
It is good news—glad tidings—that God promises that even in old age his people will bear fruit. Old age might mean slowing down physically, however, spiritually in can be a time of tremendous spiritual fruitfulness for the Church—potentially greater fruitfulness than in youth—when we are focused on our own agendas and pursuits.
The grandparents of Jesus, Joachim and Anne, no doubt had a tremendous love for the Lord, and that love for Jesus was a blessing for the entire Holy Family. So too, the faith of grandparents is a tremendous source of faith for the whole family.
I’ve shared before how for many years on Sunday, when my parents worked late the night before, my grandparents would drive miles out of their way to pick me up for Sunday Mass. I doubt I would have discovered my priestly vocation without my grandparents. They taught me to pray before meals, the importance of Sunday mass, participating and singing at mass, supporting our home parish—not to mention so many other important virtues like patriotism, hard work, prudent stewardship, and tenderness.
So much fruitfulness in my own life can be traced back to my grandparents’ godliness—their Catholic faith.
Grandparents, if you see the faith is not being practiced in your families, don’t be afraid to remind your families of the importance of faith and prayer. If you sense that your children are becoming too materialistic, tell them. If they are not bringing their own children to Sunday Mass, gently correct them. And if they still don’t relent, offer to bring them to mass with the promise of pancakes afterwards. When the grandkids come over for a visit, pray a rosary with them, make sure that prayers are said before meals, explain to them the meanings of the holy pictures and statues in your homes, teach the traditions, help them, like Joachim and Anne to instill faith.
On this feast of the grandparents, we’re reminded of grandparent’s special role and responsibility in forming the generations to come. Through the prayers of Saints Joachim and Anne may we all consider and respond well to the vocation each of us has in spreading the Faith for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
In gratitude for the example of faith and the role of grandparents in the Church. And for the good health of the elderly and their continued spiritual fruitfulness.
That our young people on summer vacation may be protected from all physical and spiritual harm, shielded from the errors and perversions of the world, and kept in closeness to God through prayer and virtue.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, for all those recovering from or undergoing surgery today, and for the consolation of the dying.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, for our dear departed grandparents, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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