Called to Intergenerational Living

Day 9 – Christmas Novena

We take a moment of silence…be aware of who we are, where we are and that God is so close to us, for He is Emmanuel…

Introduction:  The theme of our 9th day of the novena is “Called to intergenerational living”.  We experience both the richness and the struggles of our intergenerational living. We open ourselves to continue transformation as we befriend diversity and the unknown.

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young” – Henry Ford (1863 – 1947)

Reflection:     We are overwhelmed by our ever-changing community living. As individuals and community, we are caught up with the idea of generation gap, what it is to be old and how it is to be young. The thought of having more or having less, advancing or being left behind, affects us. In our diverse community setup, preferences and deprivation take on manifold expressions.

Let us reflect on the phrase on the poster and allow it to speak to us, to our vulnerability and inclinations.

How are we challenged in our process of conversion toward greater communion and friendship among us and with those we serve.

Reading:  Lk. 1: 39-45 (a life-giving encounter between the young woman Mary and ageing Elizabeth)

Intercessions

Response: “The Lord hears the cry of the poor, blessed be the Lord!” (can be sung)

• That we may be instruments of bridging between young and old and conscious that each one has something to share and learn from one another/enrich each other.
• That while many intergenerational differences persist, we may strengthen our areas of commonality, our aspiration for good relationships, co-responsibility and inter-dependency as children of God.
• There´s evidence that our society is becoming increasingly segregated by age and this perpetuates misunderstanding and division. That our community be a living witness to unity in diversity.
• That we may be healed in our discriminating nature and change our attitude from rejection to admiration to attain intergenerational solidarity.
• That we may become more and more open to the needs of others and ready to share our giftedness to widen the circle of inclusive relationships.

Our Father

Prayer

God, you are so near! You are Emmanuel, so close to me, so close to us. You had a heart that welcomed everyone irrespective of cultural or age barriers.  May we have your heart to feel with, your feet to walk with, your eyes to see with, your ears to hear with, your hands to reach out with, your life to connect with those considered weak and vulnerable in our society. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.