The values ​​of grandparents

"Yesterday's bread is good tomorrow too," writes a great Bible scholar, Enzo Bianchi. It's like this: rediscovering the values ​​that gave serenity and life to our grandparents, to us, and perhaps even to our children. It's the path of values ​​forgotten in years of consumerism, nihilism, in a life most of us have lived too superficially.

Of course, we've all worried about inflation, Covid, recurring crises, and hard-to-find jobs, but sometimes we've lost our bearings. It's possible, however, to rediscover it with the values ​​our grandparents left us: honesty, solidarity, respect, hope, faith. This year too, Jesus was born under bombs: in Ukraine, in Gaza, in 56 wars on earth and in heaven. With Him, if we pause for a moment, we can rediscover the star. The world is in flames: Putin, like Hitler with the V2 missiles, glories in his "invincible" weapon; In Africa and Asia, dozens of wars result in thousands of deaths. The "great of the earth" insult one another more or less cheerfully, sowing hatred and resentment, as sometimes happens at home, even here.

The word "respect" has been lost from the dictionary and, too often, even on the street, at home, and on the bus. It is essential to rediscover it. As Pope Leo writes, we must invest in education, and he recalls the saints Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis. It's a new beginning, but how many times in life have grandparents done it! As a bishop close to us, Msgr. Derio Olivero of Pinerolo, writes, we need to start over, and President Sergio Mattarella confirms and adds with dignity and humanity. Walking the streets, even during the day, is risky in certain parts of Italy. I remember one day in Rio de Janeiro, when at midday, in the city center, I was advised to hide my watch and gold chain, or in Buenos Aires not to wait for a taxi on the sidewalk with my suitcases for thieves who would appear.

That insecurity, like so many other times, will pass. It is ours that must be addressed by rereading the powerful moments of those who came before us. We must rediscover values ​​and pass them on to all generations. Words like the centrality of the human person, solidarity, and sharing can once again become small cornerstones of the times to come. Instead, unfortunately, people's lack of sensitivity is spreading. With Artificial Intelligence, images are exploited and distorted, pushing the most vulnerable young people to desperation and suicide. There are no longer just adversaries, but enemies: hatred has invaded every sphere of human life. There are extremely serious events, but also daily "big words" that cut like knives. Everything is happening because of the disappearance of the principles of life that existed when coats were turned inside out, bread was bought on credit with a savings account, and children drew in the sand to play. We were poorer and more battered, but serene. Can we rediscover that atmosphere? Just approach that child in the stable, ask yourself why, and you'll see his star again. It's been there, the same, strong, unique, for over two thousand years, with its burden of humanity.

Gian Mario Ricciardi
NP December 2025