Scripture:
2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36
Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Reflection:
“Blessed Be the Name of the Lord”
Years ago, when one of my sisters-in-law celebrated her fiftieth birthday, she told me that a “good day” was when she awakened in the morning… and nothing hurt! As we age, the limitations of physical mobility, painful joints, and memory loss can seem challenging to our peaceful, spiritual lives.
Sacred Scripture tells us that aging is a normal part of the life cycle, but among the most distressing aspects of growing old—especially in cultures like ours that set a high value on “living for the moment,” youthful vitality and appearance, and rugged individualism — is our need to depend on others.
In recent years, several Catholics have helped us immensely by narrating their experience, teaching us how to live well, but also how to die well. I think of Chicago’s Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, whose book, The Gift of Peace, empowers us with his vulnerability and honesty. And more recently, Boston College Theologian, Richard Gaillardetz’s book, While I Breathe, I Hope, explores the fears and doubts, joys and sufferings, and the graces and blessings Rick encountered along his final journey with pancreatic cancer.
Like any experience of suffering and the Cross, embracing the limitations of growing old might lead us to either of two options: anger and resentment, or a peaceful acceptance. Jesuit Cardinal Avery Dulles said it well as he faced a recurrence of polio, leaving him unable to speak, yet his mind unaffected. “As I become increasingly paralyzed, I can identify with the many paralyzed and mute persons in the Gospels. If the Lord now calls me to a period of weakness, I know well that his power can be made perfect in infirmity. ‘Blessed be the name of the Lord!’”
After comforting countless people as an emergency room chaplain for forty years at Lutheran General Hospital, Passionist Fr. Frank Keenan continued his ministry of compassion at St. Benedict’s Nursing Home — always with a smile —after suffering a debilitating stroke.
Fr. Jack Conley, CP, is the local superior of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.