July 13. Sheila was already 83 and had been caring for her husband now 94 for more than 5 years after he had become bed-ridden.  They had been married for more than 60 years and there had been good and also not so good times.  At this stage in their lives she was finding it increasingly difficult to cope and there was no money for expert care. “Where are the children now,” she thought to herself, “and even for me and my attitude towards him, do none of us value my old Morris as God does?”

Reflect, share, scripture:  Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will.  But even the hairs of your head are numbered.  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matt 10: 29-30.  Pope Francis: On this Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, devoted to them, let us show our tender love for the grandparents and the elderly members of our families. Let us spend time with those who are disheartened and no longer hope in the possibility of a different future. In place of the self-centred attitude that leads to loneliness and abandonment, let us instead show the open heart and the joyful face of men and women who have the courage to say “I will not abandon you”, and to set out on a different path. Message 2024.    ACTION AND PRAYER.   How well do I genuinely value the elderly in my life?