The Mandalorian and Grogu: Caring for each other

As The Mandalorian and Grogu jumps from TV screens to cinemas, Sam Butler reflects on family, relationships and valuing one another.

‘The old protect the young, and then the young protect the old,’ declares the Mandalorian in The Mandalorian and Grogu. The Star Wars film sees the bounty hunter enlisted with his young apprentice, Grogu, to protect the Rebellion after the Empire has fallen. The film follows the adventures of this father-and-son duo as they collect bounties on the remaining Imperial villains scattered across the galaxy, while also following an authentic connection with that theme of intergenerational value, caring for and valuing both the young and the old.

The Mandalorian, played by Pedro Pascal, declares these words as part of his ‘creed’, delivering teachings to Grogu as he prepares him for survival in a dangerous galaxy. The film follows the importance of his experienced older generation, as he hunts down criminals and brings justice to the galaxy, journeying alongside the younger, explorative Grogu, who assists and aids him using the gifts he has.

This is a lot like how we should see our Church today. We must respect those more experienced who have wisdom and teachings to bring to our communities. We must also accept and embrace the newcomers and younger generation who bring their gifts and innovative ideas with fresh eyes, helping to evolve teaching into action in our communities.

In Peter’s speech at Pentecost in Acts 2, he proclaims that everyone has value in the Kingdom of God. He quotes from the book of Joel that ‘your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams’ (Acts 2:17). This depiction of ‘visions’ and ‘dreams’ underlines a forward thinking, a tomorrow that we should attempt to implement today.

As Peter describes the Kingdom of God and the relationships needed in the Church, we must take this on board when involving our churches in our communities and making decisions that are rooted in Christ, with gifts equipped through the Holy Spirit.

In The Mandalorian and Grogu, the old learn from the young as much as the young learn from the old. This is how we should see our intergenerational church today, regardless of where we are on our faith journeys with God. As the Church, we must continue to teach and learn from one another and look to our future with the support rooted in our past. The old protect the young, and then the young protect the old.

Reflect and respond

• What can you learn from others in your church?
• What teaching can you share in your church?
• How can you turn these teachings into action?