Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3
“Old age is the most precious time of life, the one nearest eternity. There are two ways of growing old. There are old people who are anxious and bitter, living in the past and illusion, who criticize everything that goes on around them. Young people are repulsed by them. They are shut away in their sadness and loneliness, shriveled up in themselves. But there are also old people with a child’s heart, who have used their freedom from function and responsibility to find a new youth. They have the wonder of a child but the wisdom of maturity as well. They have integrated their years of activity and so can live without being attached to power. Their freedom of heart and their acceptance of their limitations and weakness makes them people whose radiance illuminates the whole community. They are gentle and merciful, symbols of compassion and forgiveness. They become community’s hidden treasures, sources of unity and life. They are true contemplatives at the heart of community.”
Jean Vanier in Community and Growth, revised edition (London: Darton, Longman, and Todd, 1989) 140-141.
As we think about growing in compassionate generosity this year, I want you to envision a person of old age in your mind right now who is a radiant symbol of compassion. Take five minutes and send them them a note. In this season of social distance it will likely bless them deeply. Thank them for being “gentle and merciful” and living with “the wonder of a child” and “the wisdom of maturity” at the same time. Ask them for a tip to follow in their footsteps and consider doing it yourself.