Pope Francis designated the fourth Sunday of each July as the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. This year in his message, In old age they will still bear fruit [Psalm 92:15], the pope pointed out that while the elderly inevitably become more physically fragile, they can still make great contributions to the family and the Church, and bear abundant fruit. This day we should give special thanks to those who were born before us, who guarded us, and who passed on to us life and faith.
Another reason for the fourth Sunday of July was chose is that it is close to the feast day of St. Joachim and St. Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.
“Blessed is the family that honours the elderly!” Aging is not a condemnation, it is a blessing. Pope Francis entrusted grandparents and elderly people with a responsibility: that they should treat others with the same understanding and loving gaze with which they treat their own grandchildren. The pope urged the elderly not to be self-pitying or adopt an attitude of grim resignation. Indeed, old age is no time to lower the sails but a season of enduring fruitfulness.
We should guard against a mindset that marginalisies and negates the value of elderly people. Nowadays, we uphold efficiency, as efficiency means effectiveness. We believe that even a small delay will bring about losses. Along this line, elderly people are seen as the weakest link to be avoided. Some may even ignore weak and fragile elderly people. This somehow constitutes a violent act.
Pope Francis pointed out that with the Covid-19 pandemic, the elderly people belonged inevitably to the high-risk group. They have made much sacrifice but are often forced to stay alone, apart from their families, and are easily forgotten. In one of his general audiences, the pope advised pilgrims that they should, from childhood, know how to care for their grandparents and should visit them from time to time. Dialogue between the young people and their grandparents is particularly important.
A society comprises children, young people, adults and elderly people. Missing any of these generations would result in an imbalance. Today in Hong Kong, we often see young couples going out with their young children in baby strollers or visiting theme parks. However, how often have you met elderly people on wheelchairs going out and having fun with their families?
This Sunday, parish priests will offer a special blessing to grandparents and elderly people at the end of the Mass. Some parishes may also prepare gifts as an expression of gratitude. Respecting and caring for grandparents and elderly should be a daily practice, rather than paying them visits only on specific days. Let us be blissful, and together with these “elderly people who are blessed with long lives”, work to build up harmonious families. SE
