“Supernatural Grandparenting”

Shownotes

• Did you know that there are Biblical mandates for grandparents?
  • Old Testament:
    • Moses last speech to the Israelites before they crossed into Canaan:
      • Deuteronomy 4:9 –”However, be on your guard and be very careful not to forget the things your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart as long as you live, but make them known to your children and to your children’s children.”
      • Deuteronomy 6:4-9 – ⁴ “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord;  ⁵ and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. ⁶ And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; ⁷ and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. ⁸ And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
    • Psalms 71:18 –

      “So even to old age and gray hairs,
          O God, do not forsake me,
      until I proclaim your might
          to all the generations to come.”

    • Psalm 78 –
      • “I will open my mouth in a parable;
            I will utter dark sayings from of old,
        ³ things that we have heard and known,
            that our ancestors have told us.
        ⁴ We will not hide them from their children;
            we will tell to the coming generation
        the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
            and the wonders that he has done.”
    • Proverbs 13:33 – “The good leave an inheritance to their children’s children,
          but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”
    • Proverbs 17:6 –”Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
          and the glory of children is their parents.” 
  • New Testament:
    • Timothy was one of the youngest leaders in the Early Church
      • Who was his biggest inspiration and support in his faith?
      • 2 Timothy 1:4-5 – “⁴ Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.”
      • 2 Timothy 3: 15-16 –”…from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ^{16 “}
      • 2 Timothy 4:5 – “⁵ As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.”
  • What does the Catechism tell us?
    • Grandparents should teach their grandchildren:
      • Theology – Help them know the heart of their Heavenly Father
      • Economy – Help them discover and follow their Father’s household plan
    • The four pillars of the Catechism can guide grandparents in their mission:
      • Help your grandchildren learn the story of salvation. (You can find the Great Adventure Storybook for kids that Jeff talks about here.)
      • Help your grandchildren know and love the sacraments.
      • Help your grandchildren live the life of Christ.
      • Help your children learn how to pray.
    • The Story of Grandma Rosa
      • Pope Francis’ grandmother, Rosa, taught him how to pray with his hands:
        • Thumb – It’s the finger closest to you; pray for those closest to you
        • Index finger – Pray for teachers, parents, and priests—those who point the way
        • Middle finger – Pray for those who stand tallest in society—politicians and business leaders.
        • Ring finger – On your weakest finger, pray for the weakest in society.
        • Pinky finger – On your smallest finger, pray for other children and pray for yourself.
    • Other helpful tips from Jeff:
      • Never step between your grandchildren and your children (unless there is some extremely serious reason).
      • Tell your grandchildren about the meanings of their names, and connect that meaning to the Faith.
      • Start a novena for your grandchildren
      • Stay involved, even from a distance! Use Skype or Google Hangouts to read the Great Adventure Storybook together.

Jeff’s Most Prized Possession- His Grandfather’s Bible

We’d Love to Hear from You

Do you have comments or questions for Jeff? Use the comment box below, or email Jeff at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!

Listen and subscribe:

iTunes | Stitcher | Soundcloud | Google Play