"Blessed are those who have not lost hope" (Sirach 14:2)
Invoking the spirit of Jubilee, Pope Leo XIV explains in his Message for the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly1 that 'embracing the elderly helps us to understand that life is more than just the present moment.' Indeed, we are called to help the elderly experience liberation from loneliness and abandonment.
We who serve the Catholic Health ministry are uniquely situated to participate in that liberation. The many health appointments required by aging people mean that our opportunities to 'break through the barriers of indifference' are countless. Are we using those opportunities to interface wisely? How can we continue to participate in the liberation of our elders, ensuring they do not lose hope? Let us pray —
May we praise you always, O God, for your goodness, cultivating unity with our loved ones. Open our hearts to those who are far away, and to all those in need. May we be signs of hope, whatever our age.
AMEN2.