July 16. SEE.  The old ladies continued their sharing.  “What makes you most tired?”  Pat asked.   “Is it the grandchildren, or the children and their hassles?”  “No, not really. For me just being old makes me tired.  My bones ache, my eyes run, I’m shaky on my feet, and I’m considered normal!  I see many older people in frail care situations, quite honestly, just waiting to die.  But I like to share, where I can, how much a relationship with Jesus can give one peace. Sharing with him our pains, physical and mental, does genuinely ‘give me rest.’” “I decided to volunteer to visit the sick once a week, and that has taught me a lot too.  I have had to learn to listen and sometimes not even say much to solve their problems.” 

JUDGE. Reflect and share. Scripture. Jesus declared, “Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Learn from me for I am gentle and lowly in heart.”  From Matt 11:28-30.   Pope Francis: We are constantly reminded that each of those who live with us merits our complete attention, since he or she possesses infinite dignity as an object of the Father’s immense love. This gives rise to a tenderness which can stir in the other the joy of being loved. AL 323. Pope Leo: We must lovingly safeguard the grandeur of humanity bestowed upon us and revealed in its fullness in Christ, the splendor of which no machine can ever replace. True progress always stems from a heart open to others, an intelligence willing to listen and a will that seeks what unites rather than what separates.   MH 15  

ACT AND PRAY.   Consider how to grow more deeply in love with Jesus and the older persons in one’s life. ORGANISE A GRANDPARENTS’ TEA or PRAYER MOMENT Pray the Prayer of St Francis for grandparents and the elderly.  We pray for God’s blessing on the grandparents and elderly of our families and community,  bless them with peace and contentment and an acceptance that their lives were well spent in your service. We ask St Joachim and St Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, to pray with us.