As you know I posted a thread 'moral dilemma, advice' -- I have three sons - one accepts my position on the vaccines and is supportive - one accepts it but does not really understand why -- The third - the father of my grandson - well we had that discussion today and he is not in support of my position and made it very clear that he is unhappy. I explained to him the moral dilemma that I faced and asked him did they mind if I waited until an ethical vaccine became available -- but he did not really listen - what he says is backed by his wife so he speaks for both of them - they had obviously been talking about me for some time in their home as he came equipped with some arguments as follows -- The basic thrust - those who do not take the vaccine are selfish. The vaccine is not linked to abortion and if it is the link is tenuous. The Pope took it and the church said it is OK. That they are taking the vaccine to protect others and their son It was inferred then that I should have taken the vaccine for the sake of my grandson. It was not a heated argument but a debate where opinions are expressed. Here I was being lectured by someone who has not attended Mass since he was sixteen on the morality of a vaccine I did well to hold my tongue. I came away very, very disillusioned. He did not say that I could not see my grandson in fact we had looked after him last night. But -- I feel am left boxed in a tight corner. I was devastated and traumatised by this encounter that I am not loved unconditionally nor is my opinion respected in the matter. They have swallowed the covid vaccine narrative hook line and sinker. I understand that completely and respect that they have legitimate fears. I felt like I am not a grandfather but a 'bio-hazard'. I have very few options - I either take the vaccine or make a decision myself to reduce my contact time with my grandson due to their fears. I cannot be blamed should I catch covid and pass it on to him. What a dilemma. What a burden to place on a grandfather's shoulders. Only the evil one could have used this pandemic for these evil ends. I cannot feel easy in their presence any more because of this - my feeling is that this is a major turning point in our relationship. I now fear taking my grandson in my arms and kissing him and hugging him. And no doubt my in-laws are in the know and I am seen as more Catholic than the Pope. That's what some of my wider family think even though I am a quiet person who does nobody any harm but lives his faith. Anyone think of a way out of this because I can't. I refuse to ignore it as my wife says because I cannot now enjoy my beautiful grandson's presence without fear. The easiest solution is to book a vaccine and take it for the love of my grandson even though it would be very, very hard for me to do this in conscience.
Pray about it. Pray, Pray and Pray some more and Holy Spirit will guide you. You are the only one who can make this decision based on your experiences. I will pray for you Bobbi that God gives you direction....especially at Stations and Veneration of the Cross today. Jesus is sharing His cross with you today. Suffer gladly. Peace friend
My grandson is our first the apple of my eye - he was born 5 days after my mother died - so a gift from heaven really. He is due to get baptised next month & I was so looking forward to that. But this has left a sour taste - how can I enjoy that occasion as the 'unvaccinated, unclean one'. Now I know how the lepers felt God bless them. They just don't get it at all - not even a little glimmer of my position.
Ah Bobby prayers to the Holy Spirit for your sanity Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
Honestly, I cannot relate to your family / social situation at all. It boggles me that you're having to deal with this, as both my family and in-laws seldom directly factor into my life (their choices, not mine) or each others' lives. Most of the time it seems husband and I are orphans who found each other. I will say that while I haven't yet taken the vaccine (I'm waiting to let others go ahead of me; front-line workers, parents, elderly, etc., as I'm childless and work at home), my husband willingly did (Pfizer). He'll receive the 2nd shot on March 6. He has no qualms and is "in the know" overall. His sister is now amenable to taking the vaccine as she works in a county (public) hospital in El Paso, Texas, which has been greatly afflicted; our current migrant surge has decided her. Both are Christians (lapsed Catholic). That is heart-wrenching. More prayers.
It might be an Irish thing as families tend to live close by and help each other out with things like childcare etc. My wife minds our grandson 2 days per week. Before the baby came they lived with us for 6 months in our home so that they could save and raise some money for a payment towards the mortgage. As a family we are very close.
Enviable. In a good (not sinful) way. I can only have an inkling as to what a dilemma this is for you.
Leaving everything else aside That they are taking the vaccine to protect others and their son It was inferred then that I should have taken the vaccine for the sake of my grandson. Invalid argument. We are constantly told the vaccinated can still carry the virus and spread it to others.
I'm afraid I tried all reasoning including that but logic seems to just disappear as far as covid and vaccines are concerned. Much to ponder and pray about. Prayer, prayer, prayer is the best answer at the minute.
https://www.crisismagazine.com/2021/resisting-abortion-tainted-vaccines-and-the-culture-of-death Dear Garabandal, I am in a similar situation as you. The above link to an article by Bishop Athanasius Schneider laid out exactly why we need to stay strong and resist the current vaccines. I will be keeping you in prayer. Please do the same for me. Peace. Ed
Here's something that may bring you hope on an early resolution to your -- and may others -- dilemma: https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/...st-develops-oral-yeast-based-covid-19-vaccine
I think you are being deceived, and not by your son. Your son thinks you should take it, you don't. And that would be the end if the story in every other medical intervention story. You don't become a biohazard if you don't take it, but that inference is coming from Satan not your son if I read your post correctly. Your son loves you, he's afraid for you, but you are also a free babysitter. Don't listen to Satan and the conjectures he's planting in your head. I work in a nursing home and all sorts of rumours were put forward as if truths to convince us to take the vaccine. All you have to say is that you'll consider taking it when the trial is completed in 2023, but for now you don't want to be part of a drug trial. Your son is unlikely to push you further. And for God's sake hug your son and grandson everyday you can because none of us know what day will be our last. My 57 Yr old brother dropped dead last June, heart attack not covid. Keep your eyes on Jesus not on the storm. Pax Christi
This virus poses no threat whatsoever to your grandson, Garabandal. People have a higher chance of dying from a bee sting. Literally. Please, be at peace about your decision to refrain, and do not let these false concerns on the part of your son keep you from your grandchild. You can’t control any response from others (i.e., your son), only yourself. Don’t let them impose false scruples upon you based on your moral decision. Prayers.
Thanks for that -- I have been through a real tough year - since the lockdown last March - my mother took ill and her slow painful death came in July - five days later my grandson was born - with work I was in lockdown teaching from home and I am just realising my stress levels have been pushed like everyone else with the propaganda and fear mongering all around us. My wife said the other night what would I do if she were to pass away - my answer was immediate -- I'd be heading straight to Holy Cross Abbey in Rostrevor (Co Down) to join the Benedictines as there I would get peace and quiet and away from the noise of the covid hysteria -- Whether they would take me is another question and I probably wouldn't survive but I certainly would love a couple of months just to recharge my frayed batteries lol http://www.benedictinemonks.co.uk/
garabandal, This ache of separation is so very fresh, and so too the pain of looking down the road. In your process of discerning how to move forward, I would wait at least a week to decide, to allow the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of all involved. Think of the pain the Virgin Mary felt being separated from her son after the crucifixion! She understands your dilemma! Give Mary, the Seat of Wisdom, time to show you the way, especially in this special period when we focus on Divine Mercy! Prayers! Safe Under Mary's Mantle!
Just read an interesting essay regarding a devotion called "The Swap" https://www.spiritofmedjugorje.org/index.php?ArticleSeq=62#featuredArticle In short, "... the "swap" is giving your troubles, worries and intentions to our Heavenly Mother, while you pray for Her intentions - the conversion of unbelievers, peace in the world, priests, youth, healing of the sick, etc. Christine told me that she had 3 "swaps" taken care of in 2 days. "I can't believe how fast She handles things," Christine said. "Sister Emmanuel taught this to me. It's so easy and it works!" Might be worth a try...
Are you and your family aware the children under the age of 15 will not be vaccinated at all, at least here in the UK. Youngsters are deemed not to be at risk if they catch the virus. Are you and your family aware that the vaccine will not stop you getting the virus. The vaccine will not stop you passing on the virus. The vaccine will not stop the requirement to wear the masks. The vaccine will not stop the requirement to keep the social distance. What the vaccine is purported to do, and I don't doubt what the experts say; the vaccine will reduce your risk of dying should you catch the virus. They say something like 80 to 90% of people who have the vaccine reduce their risk of dying should they get the virus. In any event, if you catch the virus you have a 99% chance of recovering. Someone on the forum posted that we should not try to impose our views on each other as to whither we get the vaccine or not. It should be personal and private and we should not feel guilty whatever decision we make. Nor should we judge one another about what choice we made. It is between ourselves and our God. I am a conscientious objector for all the reasons talked about here on the forum. But could be forced into taking it in the end by Consultants. So far I have refused. But who knows. God direct you to make the decision that sits well with you. But you need a bit of ammunition to reply to the blackmail type objections that your family seem to be imposing on you. God take care of you and your family, especially that precious little grandson.
You are at the top of my prayer list Bobby. I know your agony. Truly. I have been through it. Donna is right. Pray pray pray and pray some more. The Holy Spirit will guide you. Our Lady will show you a way "where there us no way." Your son believes he is fighting for your protection. I am sure he fears bringing you the virus and wonders how he could live with himself if you caught it. I do believe it is his love for you speaking through this.
