Pope's Lenten message and the elderly

Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. This is a good opportunity for the intensification of prayer and penance. Listening to the word of God and giving more help to those in need are two activities that should help us draw closer to the Lord.

The Pope, every year, publishes a message which helps us to reflect more and act in such a way as to deepen our Christian faith incarnated in our relations to others. This year the Pope reflects on the elderly and the role they are called on to play in society and the Church. The Pope proposes his reflection to help us prepare our hearts for the loving welcome that should always be reserved for them.

Science and medicine managed to lengthen the human lifespan and as a result the number of the elderly in Western societies is on the increase. Some look at this phenomenon as a problem or at least as problematic.

Others prefer to look at the possibilities and openings that such a development presents. This demands a more specific attention to the world of so-called 'old' age, to help its members live their full potential by placing them at the service of the entire community. The Christian in particular should look at the care of the elderly, above all, when they pass through difficult moments, with great concern.

The Pope quite naturally reflects on this reality even from a personal perspective as this is a reality he lives thanks to the mature age he has. Perfectly consistent with one of the basic tenets of his pontificate John Paul II says that "human life is a precious gift to be loved and defended in each of its stages. The commandment 'You shall not kill' always requires respecting and promoting human life, from its beginning to its natural end."

This is a commandment that knows no limits. It applies even in the presence of illness and when physical weakness reduces the person's ability to be self-reliant. This brings its own problems. Those who have faith, the Pope says, are helped to accept with serenity this reality and, more than that, it can become an invaluable opportunity for better comprehending the mystery of the cross, which gives full sense to human existence.

The Pope expresses his appreciation to those who dedicate themselves to fulfilling the needs of the elderly. Such an attitude positively helps the elderly not to think of themselves as a burden to the community, and sometimes even to their own families, living in a situation of loneliness that leads to the temptation of isolating themselves or becoming discouraged.

"It is necessary to raise the awareness in public opinion that the elderly represent, in any case, a resource to be valued. For this reason, economic support and legislative initiatives, which allow them not to be excluded from social life, must be strengthened. In truth, during the last decade, society has become more attentive to their needs, and medicine has developed palliative cures that, along with an integral approach to the sick person, are particularly beneficial for long-term patients."

The Pope explores some of the positive possibilities offered by old age. "The greater amount of free time in this stage of life offers the elderly the opportunity to face the primary issues that perhaps had been previously set aside, due to concerns that were pressing or considered a priority nonetheless. Knowledge of the nearness of the final goal leads the elderly person to focus on that which is essential, giving importance to those things that the passing of years do not destroy.

Among the positive roles of the elderly one finds their contribution in transmitting to others the cultural values that they have experienced. Their "wisdom and experience" can illuminate the path of others on the way of progress towards an ever more complete form of civilization. The Pope describes this as the "mutual enrichment between different generations".

The Pope makes a strong call to the virtues of conversion and solidarity to refuse and refute a certain current mentality that considers the elderly as almost useless when they are reduced in their capacities due to the difficulties of age or sickness. "Instead, how different the community would be, if, beginning with the family, it always tries to remain open and welcoming towards them."

We believe that each one of our readers is blessed by direct contact with the elderly. The words of the Pope should help guide our actions and relations with them, especially during the holy season of Lent.