May 19.   Parenting one’s own older parents is a reality that many families experience and it is not easy. Older people still want to be independent and can be very set in their ways and quite stubborn and mean too, even if they are not suffering from some form of dementia so common in older people.  George and Paula thought, “It can be hard not to treat them as children. Maybe it is anxiety that they won’t have enough money to last them. They’re really hung up about their money and their possessions.  I do accept their values are different to ours, but I think they’d be much happier if they would loosen up a bit.  They might even feel fulfilled if they gave us a hand with varsity fees for our kids.“    

Reflect, share and act. Scripture.  We bring you good news that you should turn from these vain things to a living God who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. Acts 14:5-18,  Pope Francis:  Support of the elderly is a challenge to families.   The church cannot and does not want to conform to a mentality of impatience, and much less indifference and contempt towards old age. AL191. JUBILEE. The elderly also deserve signs of hope.  I would  mention grandparents, who represent the passing on of faith and wisdom to the younger generation. May they find support in the gratitude of their children and the love of their grandchildren, who discover in them their roots and a source of understanding and encouragement. Pray.  Mary, mother and ancestor, pray for us.