Father Hathaway’s Column — July 28, 2024

HONORING OUR GRANDPARENTS & THE ELDERLY

July 28 is World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, instituted by Pope Francis in 2021 for the fourth Sunday in July, the Sunday closest to the July 26 Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, parents of Mary and the earthly grandparents of Jesus.

The very little information we have about Saint Joachim and Saint Anne comes from the Gospel of James and Catholic legend. To be the parents of the mother of Jesus, Joachim and Anne must have been faithful, devoted parents indeed. Saint Joachim is the patron of grandfathers, fathers and grandparents. Saint Anne’s patronage includes grandparents, couples without children, women in labor and women unable to conceive.

These two great role models also are the patrons of our parish seniors’ group, the Saints Anne and Joachim Society. If you’d like to know more about the group and its ongoing programs for those 55 and older, please contact Barbara Juszczyk at bjuszczyk@stmaryoldtown.org

Through his decree creating World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, the Holy Father has permitted a plenary indulgence, under the usual circumstances, to those who participate in a solemn celebration of this day, and all Catholics who, “motivated by the true spirit of penance and charity,” visit or call the elderly, particularly those who are “sick, disabled or abandoned.” The usual conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence require a person to be free of mortal sin, have complete detachment from sin and pray for the pope’s intentions. They also must sacramentally confess their sins and receive Holy Communion within 20 days before or following the indulgenced action.

MARTHA, MARY & LAZARUS

The Church celebrates another family with the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus on Monday, July 29. Jesus reportedly visited their household in Bethany often. In John 11:5, we are told that “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” Pope Francis added Mary and Lazarus to the July 29 Obligatory Memorial of Saint Martha in 2021.

John 11:19-27 recounts the story of Jesus miraculously raising Lazarus from the dead. Christ’s words of comfort to Martha include one of His most powerful messages: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” He then asks, “Do you believe this?” She said, “Yes, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God.” I encourage you to take time this week to read and meditate on that exchange between Jesus and Martha. Do you believe? Are you bold enough to share that belief with others?

Elsewhere in scripture, in Luke 10:38-42, we read about the different ways the sisters responded to Jesus. Mary sat at His feet, intently listening to His words. Martha bustled about, serving Our Lord and worrying that Mary should be more helpful in the kitchen! Jesus gently acknowledged Martha’s concerns but noted she was “anxious and worried about many things.” Mary, He said, “has chosen the better part.”

Most of our personalities include a bit of both Mary and Martha. As these hot summer days continue, we might want to allow Mary’s “better part” to help us slow down to spend more time listening to Him. Listen to Him in silence. Listen to Him in the Eucharist. Listen to Him in His Word. Listen to Him in the world and in the people around you.