I am so happy Pope Francis designated the last Sunday of July as a day to remember and pray for our grandparents and all of our elderly.
The past few years were especially difficult for our older family members and friends. The pandemic forced them to spend many months in isolation and unable to be with their family. I spoke to many who expressed how much they missed the hugs of children and grandchildren. Many of our elderly had to suffer the sadness of having to die alone, and many families still grieve because they could not offer their loved one the dignity of a funeral service or Mass.
In calling for a Sunday to honor grandparents and the elderly, Pope Francis is once again reminding us of the dignity of all life and the importance of family life – from conception to natural death. Too often, the elderly are the forgotten ones in the family, as we all get caught up in the busyness of life. Those who are advanced in years have given so much to us. As a family and as a Church, we cannot forget them. It is our call to love, even in difficult circumstances.
Below is a prayer I wrote based on a passage from the Book of Sirach. It is a modern-day prayer of ways we can reach out, be patient, and remember the elderly in our family and community.
Do Not Forget Them
(A modern version of the Bible passage from the Book of Sirach)
My children, take care of your parents and all the older members of your family. When they grow old, do not forget them.
When their minds start to fail with memory loss. When they forget their keys or cell phone, or even if they forget who you are, be kind.
When they cannot see like they used to. Be their eyes.
When they cannot hear too well, and when the television is blasting in their home, and you have to repeat yourself. Be patient.
When your grandparents or parents, or aunts or uncles cannot drive their car or even walk like they did in the past, do not forget them. You can be their legs. You can drive them.
My sons and daughters, kindness to your parents and your grandparents and your older aunts and uncles and friends will not be forgotten by the Lord.
If they have to go to a nursing facility because you cannot take care of their medical needs, I understand that. But don’t leave them alone. Call them. Visit them. Teach your young children to respect the elderly.
If you do not know what to say, do not worry. Your presence is most important. My grace will work through you.
See the face of God in the elderly. When you forget them, you forget Me. When you love them, you love Me.
Amen.
Father Guest is pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Camden, and coordinator of the Black Catholic Ministry Commission and the diocesan Racial Justice Commission.
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