April 30.  Older parents.  Archie shared, “In our groups we have mostly been talking about us and our children but are there not some here who still have our own older parents living with us too, or who may need constant care from us.   For Bernie and me, this is the more difficult part of our family; parenting up rather than down. We do try to respect them even if we find Bernie’s father difficult,  and you can’t tell them what to do like you do with your kids.   I find myself praying for peace and patience in our home, the kind of peace Jesus obviously is able to bring.” Bernie added with a smile, “I sometimes compare my “old man” to our old Labrador, Prince, our other “old man” who is also still part of our family and needs constant care too. We really are a family of families!”

Reflect, share, pray. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you.  John 14:27.  Pope Francis: Our elderly are men and women, fathers and mothers, who came before us on our own road, in our own house, in our daily battle for a worthy life.  “How I would like a Church that challenges the throw-away culture by the overflowing joy of a new embrace between young and old.”  AL 191.  Because all creatures are connected, each must be cherished with love and respect, for all of us as living creatures are dependent on one another.  Each of us are responsible for the care of this family.  LS42.