For us who are old

Wednesday March 2, 2022

For us who are old

Until your old age I will be the same, until your white hair I will support you. Isaiah 46:4

White hair is a crown of honour : it is found on the path of justice. Proverbs 16:31

It is difficult not to see much anymore and not to hear much. But blessed are those who, accepting their infirmities without complaining, take advantage of their isolation to seek in silence to listen to Jesus Christ speaking to them, and to taste his communion.

It is difficult to feel weak and diminished, to no longer be able to participate in the supper, the meal of remembrance with one's brothers and sisters. But blessed is he who experiences that the presence of God and his grace are sufficient to support everything.

It is sometimes difficult to be confronted with ways of living that one did not know in one's own time. But blessed is he who accepts the differences which separate him from the new generations and who counts on God who will be with the young as he was with him. Blessed when he affirms that God does not change, that he is called the Same, full of kindness and consideration towards his children whatever the time.

It is difficult to no longer be able to actively carry the burdens of one's brothers and sisters. But blessed is he who takes an interest in their needs and concerns in order to carry them with faith in intercessory prayer.

It can be difficult to surrender to others a service or ministry done with love and faith. But blessed is he who agrees to hand over, who prepares and supports those who follow him, trusting that the Lord will be with them as he was with him.

It is difficult not to harp on regrets, complaints and negative judgments. But blessed is he who does not indulge in whining, because he lives in the peace of Christ and the confidence that God will still intervene in difficult situations.

It is also difficult for the old man not to be nostalgic for the past and to constantly come back to what he has experienced or achieved. But he is blessed if he looks back to give thanks to God's faithfulness. He is blessed when, forgetting the things behind, he looks forward to the time when the eternal portals will open before him to lead him into the paradise of God.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)