I write this to my brothers and sisters who are retired from their busy schedules and are now at home feeling lonely, lost, depressed and desperate. Add to this the body that is getting weak and slow with aches and pains and the numerous lifestyle diseases of modern times. I know the feeling. The questions that pops up in our mind are: Why has God forgotten us? Why does God make us suffer so much? Why does He not take us away?
STOP PONDER: God loves each one of us. He says “I have carved you on the palm of my hand I AM WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF YOUR WAY”. He is by our side every second. He has kept us in this world because He has a mission for each one of us. Jesus suffered on the cross to save us from sin. Today He wants you to offer your suffering, pain and other emotions to purify yourselves and the world.
FAITH: In our old age God has blessed us with Faith. Our Faith is growing each hour despite the numerous unanswered prayers, failures and sufferings. Faith in Our Creator, who is so wonderful and kind. Faith in our children, grandchildren and family. The faith we have has planted a seed of faith in their soul which will grow up someday. Our faith is not wasted.
PRAYER: This is the only solace we have in our old age. PRAYER we pray for peace in the world, the Church, politicians, family, friends, the sick, the dying and all in need of prayer. I have realized that though my prayers are repetitive they are very efficacious. In my small way I have tried to make the world a better place. Evil has no power over us. Pray can root out all evil with God’s help. We are now God’s apostles to spread His Word by our thoughts deeds and action
WISDOM: We cannot preach Wisdom. We do not get Wisdom through knowledge, internet or AI. Wisdom is shaped by time, pain, pray consequences, and over the years from patience, suffering, endurance and surrender to God. It is a bridge between truth and experience. This virtue is observed by the Z generation through their grandparents and elders who sit quietly in the house but give pearls of wisdom. It is treasured by them and they learn patience, kindness, love and surrender to God.
HOPE: The world forsakes the old as worthless. The families treat us as one foot in the grave and useless. The hope in our heart that God created each one of us with a mission in mind makes our burden lighter. Hope that every step of the way is nearer to our goal i.e. God That humanity will live in hope and trust in God.
CHARITY: The world is in need of charity— kindness, assistance, respect and accepting people as who they are. I have observed that though we have gone old we still judge people according to their status and wealth. We forget that every person is an image of God and wants to be acknowledged as a human being. The world can be a better place with more kindness and respect. Let us try to persevere to be charitable in the days we still have on earth.
FORGIVENESS: In life many people have hurt us intentionally or unintentionally. The hurt is so deep that we are unable to forgive and carry this burden with us in our life. Some of the hurts have faded away and are forgotten but the unforgiveness is still with us. Have you realized that this unforgiveness has created hatred, anger, and doubt and stolen our peace. It is the cause of the sickness and diseases we are suffering. It is never too late. Let us sincerely forgive all who have hurt us and ask God for strength and grace to relieve us of this heavy burden and to release our enemies of their heavy burden which caused them to hurt us. You will feel at peace and lighter in heart and the fears and miseries will vanish. PRAISE God for His goodness.
There is a statue of JESUS CHRIST with no hands and feet and it is written below the statue YOU ARE MY HANDS AND FEET.
So let us not forget we have a lot of time at our disposal. Let us use our FAITH, PRAYER, WISDOM, HOPE CHARITY AND FORGIVENESS. To carry Our LORD’S mission of love hope kindness and charity. God bless you all.
– Pansy Doris Antao