Word to the Wise
Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - Tuesday in the 32th Week in Ordinary Time
[Titus 2:1-8, 11-14 and Luke 17:7-10]"You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine, namely, that older men must be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance." [Titus] "When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'" [Luke]
NOVEMBER 11 ST. MARTIN OF TOURS
I have found that growing older can have the effect of making one more introspective and also aware of one's role as an "elder" in the community. The words addressed to Titus, quoted above, are standards I would want to emulate! At the age of 71, I get the occasional question from people I've just met, "Are you retired?" I respond, "Not yet, but slowing down a bit!"
As I write this, I am completing a visit with dear friends at a retirement village. It's a very nice place and everyone I meet is friendly and polite. I see many examples, especially my friends, of people growing older graciously, and I pray for that same grace. I have noticed in TV ads that the only time I see older persons is in ads for medications of various sorts! I think this reflects a pattern in our culture that relegates the elders to the sidelines!
Perhaps toward the expected end of life we may wonder if all we have done is what we are obliged to do, as the gospel today says, but I think the Lord will be merciful and just out of love. Our introspection may yield results that could surprise us and offer examples we can share with the younger generations who worry that they may repeat our mistakes instead of looking at our accomplishments. AMEN