The Richness of The Past
“I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.” – MT 13: 35
Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Grandparents to Jesus. If you were not aware, this is why we celebrated yesterday a World Day of Prayer recognizing our Grandparents and the Elderly by the Church Calendar. Pope Francis in January of this year decreed that the fourth Sunday in July, the closest to the Church’s Memorial of these saints, as a day of remembering.
Pope Francis has said,
“the Holy Spirit even today stirs up thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly.” The voice of the elderly “is precious,” he said, “because it sings the praises of God and preserves the roots of the peoples.” The elderly, he continued, “remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between the different generation, to pass on to the young the experience of life.” The Holy Father said he instituted the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly because “grandparents are often forgotten, and we forget this wealth of preserving roots and passing on” what the elderly have received.
Pope Frances emphasized the importance of grandparents and grandchildren getting to know one another, because “as the prophet Joel says, grandparents seeing their grandchildren dream,” while “young people, drawing strength from their grandparents, will go forward and prophesy.”
Personally, I learned a great many things from my Grandparents, the Parents of both my Mom and Dad. I believe most of what I learned was due to their patience, love, and the simple way they shared our family history and daily activities. However, it is not just to be received but passed on to future generations. Jesus also shows these same qualities in exposing each of us to the richness of our past. God’s Words of Wisdom and Truth come alive in parables and when they are put into action by Jesus.
God's Word has power to transforms us. The Kingdom of God produces a transformation in those of us who receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield our lives to Jesus and allow His word to take root in our heart, we are transformed and made Holy by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. St Paul said, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 COR 4:7). As Pope Frances said above, “the Holy Spirit even today stirs up thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly.” Do webelieve in what has been shared, the richness of the past along with the transforming power of the Holy Spirit? Will we be able and willing to draw strength from it, go forward, and evangelize our Faith, Hope and Love so that future generations will persevere.
"Heavenly Father, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the Christ-like holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a holy desire to live for your greater glory."
May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with you and yours!! Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!
Yours in Christ,
Deacon Bob
St. Clare of Assisi
Houston, TX