Last week Sunday, Jesus showed Himself as a true shepherd who knows the needs of His people. He knows how best to work and rest. Unlike the snail that is blind to its environment, Jesus knew they would need food, they had been with him for long. 

Hence, study those around you, know their needs and be concerned. He has always done this in time past till now. Gen 1:29 records God giving man all seed bearing plant. In Ex 16, 17 and 23 He provided for the Israelites throughout their journey in the wilderness.

The oil of jar of the woman of Zarephath never went dry (1Kg 17:16) and Elizabeth conceived in her old age (Lk 1:36-40). In Phil 4:19 He promised to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. While in Gen 28:15 He held that He will not leave us until He has done all that He promised. He cares.

 

Little wonder the first World Day for Grandparents and the elderly (celebrated every fourth Sunday of July to coincide with the memorial of Joachim and Anne) was titled I am with you always and this year it is “Do not cast me off in my old age” (Ps71). God is with us in our needs, isolation and desolation He comforts and provides for all His creatures. You can't be left out, just do what you can, God will do what you can't. 

A hungry man is an angry man. No spirituality can enter an empty stomach. They can't concentrate or assimilate. Jesus knew this so He helped them. Consequently, do not be spiritually conscious and earthly useless. 

Philip is the pessimist, such people only see the negative and problems in issues. Andrew is the entrepreneur willing to start small like the mustard seed. Many have little beginnings, but are now great.

Never be afraid of starting from where you are, once God is involved it becomes great. The little lad is the altruist; be open-handed, it is the trick of getting more. Give out your time, talent, greetings; it is always enough when it is shared. 

Thus, the world has enough to meet our needs but never sufficient to meet our greed. Like in 2021 the Holy Father stated in his message to the elderly that we are indebted to each other, no one is saved alone.

This year he admonishes us to combat loneliness in a throwaway culture. Families and parishes, he said, "are called to be at the forefront in promoting a culture of encounter, to create spaces for sharing, listening, to offer support and affection: thus, the love of Gospel becomes concrete."

"Our communities, with their tenderness and affectionate attention that does not forget its most fragile members, are called to manifest the love of God, who never abandons anyone," Not only are grandchildren and young people called upon to be present in the lives of older people, but older people and grandparents also have a mission of evangelization, proclamation and prayer, and of encouraging young people in their faith. 

It’s true that age brings aches, pain and wrinkle, yet brings wisdom and insight that are born only out of experience.

Age is a gift, a beautiful gift to be cherished. A gift that offers humanity memories, reminders of how fortunate the elderly have been through the years and of all the people who have blessed the journey they have taken.

They’ve lived and learnt, laughed and cried, loved and have been loved in return. And there is still more to come! Sing: The steadfast love of the Lord never seizes. 

Nonetheless, God as the great provider didn't perform today’s miracle out of nothing, He wants our effort. Also, nothing was wasted, manage resources well. Wastage is like stealing from the poor.

 

Finally, in that Gospel, we see the Eucharist fully celebrated. Liturgy of the word and Eucharist, bringing of offering, thanksgiving, spiritual and physical feeding.

God bless all the elderly with more fulfilling, peaceful and healthier years. May their children remain fruitful and successful to be sources of joy and peace to them.

 _Shalom_

 

Written by: Fr. Vincent Anuniru