A genealogy chart illustrates the bare bones of physical grand-parenting, just two successive acts of procreation that result in live births. I think most of us want more than that. And by virtue of our Baptism, we are empowered to share much more than that. We can share the best news of all, that God’s love lasts beyond just one generation. But how do grandparents, aunts and uncles share this spiritual vision when 90% of children and young adults are not regular church-goers? Here are some suggestions from thirty adults, who remember a grandparent as a person of faith.
- Have confidence in God, who has created and sustains each family member, no matter what the circumstances. Remember Jesus, redeemer and savior of each child and of each family. God loves us beyond measure. God invites us to enter into that love and become family instruments of spiritual rebirth for our loved ones. So, pray for each one with confidence. Like St. Paul, let us “bow before the Father, from whom every family takes its name”. (Ephesians 3:14-15)
- Remember, we are on the same journey as our grandchildren, no matter how far we are on the road. Through the centuries, generations of young people have tested and let go of their faith. This is normal. What is new is that the journey of young people towards God and heaven seems to be slower, more arduous and much more complicated. Share encouragement, companionship and the meaning of your life’s journey, even a visit to yesterday’s family parish. Avoid religious jargon or remarks that start with “You should…”
- Share sacred objects only in the context of your transparent, personal witness, otherwise they are devoid of meaning. One day an old Italian grandmother took a box out from under her bed, and gave young Angela a prayer-book, and the story behind it. Years later, Angela is still praying with her grandmother’s book and watches for ways to share her family’s faith story.
Be willing to bridge any gaps through unfamiliar means of communication. God can build on the genuine interest we have in a grandchild’s daily life, his friends, or her dreams, especially through social media. Welcome these experiences. They offer what bridge builders call tensile strength.- Be open about the spiritual lives of previous generations through stories of both faith and inner struggles. Such deliberate, well-chosen stories about family members, sacraments and religious traditions recreate the community of family saints. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) So, let us move forward as spiritual companions in faith and love.
