I will pour my spirit upon your descendants, and my blessing on your offspring. They shall spring up like willows by flowing streams. Isaiah 44:3-4
Is this still true? Do you wonder how to enhance the spiritual life of a grandchild, niece or nephew, especially during important sacramental celebrations like Baptism, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, God loves our grown children and grandchildren and invites us to enter into that love. When we do, we CAN become instruments of spiritual rebirth for our loved ones. The gentle, persistent and spiritual love of a grandparent, aunt or uncle is one the Church’s greatest resources.
Second, when a child reaches a milestone like First Communion, for example, grandparents often become keenly aware of the spiritual connections between those who have gone before us and all those who will come after us. We see the big picture behind the rituals and can reflect on God’s unending presence in our families.
Third, grandparents already have the tools to share faith. As part of the oldest generation in your family, each grandparent is an official storyteller. And even better, God’s holy Spirit empowers us to gentle share spiritual stories that create a sense of belonging and purpose, a sense of God’s faithfulness. So as you reflect on past sacramental celebrations, look for signs of God’s love. Then gather up those, Baptism or First communion photos and tell your faith stories. If you don’t know how to begin, use a collection of our family’s First Communion photos to get started.