grand-parents
"Blest are your eyes because they see and blest are your ears because they hear." —Matthew 13:16
Today we honor Jesus' grandparents and all grandparents. Grandparents can make a special contribution to building God's kingdom. They have been given the opportunity to see and hear what younger prophets and saints have not experienced (Mt 13:17). Grandparents have had time to mature in holiness, and God promises that the spiritual wealth of their virtuous lives will remain in their families (Sir 44:10-11). "This is the covenant with them which I Myself have made, says the Lord" (Is 59:21).
Grandparents, you have something precious to offer your children, grandchildren, families, and God's people. Claim God's promise to you. Make bold acts of faith. Don't waste your time on the things of this world. Don't pinch your pennies or insure your insurance. You'd better learn to trust your heavenly Father, because that's all you'll have when death knocks at your door.
Whatever you do, don't give yourself up "to selfish indulgence" and thereby lead "a life of living death" (1 Tm 5:6). "Already you have devoted enough time to what the pagans enjoy" (1 Pt 4:3). "You are not to spend what remains of your earthly life on human desires but on the will of God" (1 Pt 4:2). Prove yourselves worthy of your age (2 Mc 6:27). Leave to your children and grandchildren "a noble example of how to" live and die for the Lord (2 Mc 6:28).
Prayer: Father, may grandparents lead lives of faith and of prophetic witness to the gospel. May grandparents change lifestyles to communicate Your new life and new values to their families.
Promise: "Through God's covenant with them their family endures." —Sir 44:12
Praise: Sts. Joachim & Anne were holy examples of godliness as proven by the fruit of their marriage.
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2009
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.