The transcendence of the years

In the story of Ruth and Naomi, we find a clear teaching about the importance of protecting and caring for the elderly. This story shows us a touching example of solidarity and love between generations. Both experience the wound of loss and walk together toward liberation.

When Naomi, an elderly and widowed woman, finds herself in great need, her daughter-in-law Ruth decides to accompany her and take care of her. Despite the difficulties, Ruth remains faithful to Naomi, demonstrating selfless love and deep compassion for the elderly person who depends on her.

Pope Francis' message for the 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, "In old age, do not abandon me," calls us to be companions on the journey and to follow the example of Ruth and Naomi. Ruth, despite her hardships, chose to follow her mother-in-law Naomi, saying: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16).

Naomi, wrapped in despair, preferred to send her daughters-in-law back to their countries: "I am too old... my bitterness is greater than yours" (cf. Ruth 1:12-13). Naomi feared to truncate the future and hope of these young women. Many of our elders today feel this tension and reality: they perceive themselves as a burden on society. The culture of discard, as Pope Francis calls it, focused on producing and consuming, pushes us to sideline those we consider unproductive.

The story of Ruth and Naomi also reminds us of the story of many migrant women. Women who are marginalized as a consequence of war. Women who cross deserts, jungles, seas, rivers, and continents seeking a better future for their children. Many other women stay behind, far in the uncultivated rice fields, taking care of grandchildren and waiting for the children who went to war or went to another country to work. It is important to learn from the story of Ruth and Naomi, who teach us the value of not abandoning our elders, sick, and wounded along the way. No one should be left behind.

Moreover, we must walk together with courage in proclaiming the Good News, as it is a task that concerns us all. By proclaiming that we are all brothers and sisters, we can strengthen the bonds of solidarity and compassion in our society.

The Elderly in the Gospels

In the face of the current culture of discard, the Gospels offer us a different perspective. Jesus praises and dignifies the widow who gives all she has, a few simple coins, saying: "She out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on" (cf. Mk. 12:41). In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter Elizabeth and Zechariah, two elderly people who face the reality of having no children or descendants, apparently with no clear future. However, in their old age, they discover a new purpose for their lives: a renewed mission ("the one who was called barren – without a future – has conceived a son in her old age").

Deep within themselves, they carry life that becomes a story of salvation. The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah in their old age teaches us that we should never lose hope, because "nothing is impossible with God" (Lk 1:37).

We should not believe that, as we age, we have no purpose in life. Every stage of life, including old age, can be a time of great meaning and purpose. Even if we change homes or residences many times, and even if we face storms and abandonment, we must remember that "God has visited and redeemed his people, being a light for the nations" (Lk.1:68).

In a culture that sometimes makes us feel irrelevant or unproductive, it is crucial to recognize that God has a plan for each of us, regardless of our age. Our mission can take different forms throughout our lives, but there is always a purpose that drives us to be instruments of love, hope, and redemption in the world.

Simeon and the prophetess Anna are inspiring examples of this. In the temple, they had the privilege of holding Jesus in their arms. This encounter filled their lives with renewed joy and new meaning, demonstrating that even in old age, we can have a profound and significant impact on the world around us.

In moments of challenge or discouragement, let us remember that we are part of a larger story, a story of salvation and unconditional love. Our value does not depend on our productivity or on dreams that have run out, but on our identity as beloved children of God.

The Mission of Abraham

In the biblical tradition, Abraham became the father of many nations in his old age when he received God's call to leave his home and homeland and go to a new land that God would give him as an inheritance (Genesis 12:1-15).

This account raises a profound question: Can we all, both old and young, understand the meaning of this message? The answer is yes, because the mission to announce hope and truth is not limited by age or physical conditions. God does not discard anyone, regardless of their stage of life.

Abraham's example teaches us that age is not an obstacle to fulfilling the divine call. Through his obedience and faith, Abraham became an instrument for the blessing of many nations. Regardless of our age or perceived limitations, God uses people of all periods of life to carry out his plan of salvation and bring hope to the world.

The wisdom of our grandparents can help us make more guided decisions and face life's challenges with greater assertiveness. Their advice and teachings can be invaluable to younger generations, thanks to the deep knowledge they have accumulated through lived experiences.

The Celebration of Grandparents

This celebration, known as Grandparents' Day, is held around the day of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne. According to tradition, they are considered to be the grandparents of Jesus, although there is no concrete historical evidence about their real names. However, it is undeniable that Jesus had a family and received an education in which he was formed. It is easy to imagine the presence of Jesus' grandparents in his life, reflected in his courage, boldness, and desire for liberation for his people, following the biblical tradition of the prophets. We can also observe how his compassion and tenderness towards the most vulnerable, such as orphans and widows, reflected the teachings passed on in his home. Let us learn to love and honor our grandparents in the same way that Jesus loved and honored his own.

"A hug from grandparents is a hug you will always remember."

When was the last time you visited your grandparents or gave them a call? Take advantage of this day to connect with them and let them know how much you value them.