Beatitudes for Grandparents
By Tony Rowland – God never abandons his children, even when our age advances and our powers decline, when our hair grows white and our role in society lessens, when our lives become less productive and can risk appearing useless.
In the Bible, growing old is a sign of blessing. At the same time, in the Psalms we also find this heartfelt plea to the Lord: “In my old age do not abandon me” (71:9). We find both the certainty of God’s closeness at every stage of life and the fear of abandonment, particularly in old age and in times of pain.
There are many reasons for this loneliness: children migrate or leave for a better life, some are involved in conflict. There is a conviction that the elderly are burdening the young with the high cost of social services and are diverting resources.
This situation is not by chance or inevitable, but the fruit of decisions — political, economic, social and personal decisions — that fail to acknowledge the infinite dignity of each person. The elderly themselves may begin to consider themselves a burden and feel that they should step aside.
Meanwhile, many women and men seek personal fulfilment in a life as independent as possible and detached from other people. Group memberships are in crisis and individualism is celebrated. We have lost our “taste for fraternity”.
Using the Old Testament example of the generosity of Ruth to remain with her mother-in-law Naomi, let us acknowledge the importance of this shared love across the generations. Let us show tender love to the elderly and remain close to them, as they play their unique role in family, society and Church.
These are the “Beatitudes for Grandparents and Elderly”, which I wrote about 30 years ago.
Beatitudes for 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 peacemakers 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.
Toni Rowland directs the Marriage & Family Ministry (MARFAM). For more, visit www.marfam.org.za
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