From the Pulpit: Knock, knock
This past Friday I had the pleasure of going to Bethany Meadows in Brandon to celebrate a religious service, specifically a Catholic Mass, with many of the residents as well as some of their family members. One of the high school football players from Bandon Valley also joined us to share the readings from Scripture with the residents who were in attendance. He was the hit of the day – seeing a young, high school football player I know brought back fond memories for many of the residents. They spoke of their own high school days, sporting events and days of glory. While reminiscing, one of the residents relayed to me that she was going to be turning 93 this coming week. I told her that I hope they were planning a big party for that wonderful milestone!
I was told by the Bethany Meadows’ staff that other religious denominations, ministers from around Brandon, also provide services for their faithful either during the week or on Sundays. As I peered out into the crowd during the service, I noticed I had put some of the residents to sleep, others were maybe saying their own private prayers, or others were listening to what I was trying to relay through the mask that I was wearing. More importantly though, I was so moved at what wisdom was before me. Not what I was bringing to them, but what they were doing for me. These men and women, now living in a nursing home or assisted living, had been through so much in their lives and passed on to us, the next generations, such wonderful gifts.
In that moment I also reflected back to my own grandparents, who have all passed from this life. I recalled the fond memories that I am so thankful for, all that they had given to me but also to so many others.
At times, life can get so busy and we can have so many things to get done, so we might forget to remember those that have gone before us, sacrificed so much so that we can have the life that we enjoy today. I am speaking particularly of the elderly – our grandparents. One of those gifts that has been passed on to us from them and one that I do not think we can overlook is the gift of faith. In the Scriptures we read from the Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you.” Saint Paul is reminding Timothy of the gift of faith which began with his grandmother, passed to his mother and now to him. Saint Paul tells Timothy not to forget this, not forget your grandmother and mother and what they have provided for you, especially the faith.
Pope Francis has been so helpful in encouraging all people to remember our ancestors and what they have and continue to provide for us. He stated, grandparents are entrusted with a “great task: to transmit life experience, the history of a family, of a community, of a people; to share wisdom with simplicity, and the same faith: the most precious legacy!”
Who are they going to share it with though? Hopefully us, if we have the time. While I was at Bethany Meadows, I realized what I was missing by not taking the opportunity more often to share more time with the elderly of our community so I could grow and learn. Why not take a minute to dial up or pay a visit to a grandparent or elderly person in your life this week? I’m certain that your time will not be wasted.
