EXCERPT FROM THE MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER
FOR THE 5th WORLD DAY FOR
GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY 2025
[27 July 2025]
The elderly as signs of hope
“In the Bible, God repeatedly demonstrates his providential care by turning to people in their later years. This was the case not only with Abraham, Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth, but also with Moses, who was called to set his people free when he was already eighty years old (cf. Ex 7:7). God thus teaches us that, in his eyes, old age is a time of blessing and grace, and that the
elderly are, for him, the first witnesses of hope. Augustine asks, “What do we mean by old age?” He tells us that God himself answers the question: “Let your strength fail, so that my strength may abide within you, and you can say with the Apostle,
‘When I am weak, then I am strong’” (Super Ps. 70,11). The increasing number of elderly people is a sign of the times that we are called to discern, in order to interpret properly this moment of history.”
From the Vatican, 26 June 2025
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Kids naturally want to do things for themselves and so will often ask mom or dad to “show me how” to do things, from tying
their shoes to driving a car. We teach kids how to play games, how to read, how to ride a bike and how to clean their room.
But the best teaching does not come by way of explanation, but by example. Kids mimic what they see and hear their parents
do. And they learn those lessons so well. Ever hear a three-year-old use some interesting language? Some lessons are taught, and others are caught!
There are many ways that we teach. We mentor, instruct, direct, demonstrate, explain and assist. But when it comes to faith,
the most important of all is witness. The best lessons we teach are the ones that we practice as we preach! Good example is the
most powerful tool. If I want my children to be truthful, I cannot lie, even little ‘white lies.’ If I want them to be honest, I cannot cheat. If I want them to be holy, I must have my own relationship with the Lord and be genuine in my beliefs. I have to pray, receive the sacraments and participate in my parish. We teach kids to do so many things so well; let’s include our faith.
Make your life the best answer to the unspoken request: Show me!
~James Gaffney © Karides Lic. to Pilot Bulletins