Word to the Wise
Friday, May 29, 2020 - 7th Week of Easter - Fri
[Acts 25:13b-21 and John 21:15-19]"Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." [John]
The gospel scriptures from the Farewell Discourse at the Last Supper are over and there is a complete shift of scene to the final chapter in the Gospel According to John - what is called the "Johannine Appendix." Sometime after the original text was composed, but still very early, someone in the community felt that certain important stories had been left out and so this author added the additional material which the early church accepted as inspired.
Much attention is given to the triple question to Peter" "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?...." But a line much later on, quoted above, always captures my attention and I think about it often since I am 77 years old. The words of Jesus about growing old are a challenge to acceptance, to gratitude and to grace. The role of memories becomes more and more important even as the day to day physical challenges demand patience and acceptance. During the pandemic, for instance, the two of us friars in my community here in Lubbock (me, 77 and the other 87) have been asked not to go shopping or on errands or distribute communion when this takes place. At a time in life when touch becomes important, we are asked to keep "social distance." Acceptance of the past, gratitude for the present, and hope for the future even when the challenges get more and more difficult is what I pray for. Consider the elderly that you know and talk to them about what faith means at this time. AMEN