Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Senior Citizen’s Sunday - Old Age that Combines Faith and Experience

Scripture  St. Luke 2:25-38

Simeon and Anna, both witnesses present at the temple, acknowledged Jesus as the promised Messiah. Simeon, a man gifted with spiritual insight, recognized Jesus as the Messiah, bringing redemption to the Gentiles and honor to Israel. He gave thanks to God for sending Jesus and prophesied that Jesus would be a divisive figure among the Jewish people, with some rejecting Him and others finding salvation. This opposition would reveal the moral condition of the people and bring suffering to Jesus' mother.
An older Jewish woman named Anna also saw Jesus and His parents at the temple. She was a devout Jew who never became resentful. Anna had willingly given up leisure and luxury to devote herself to worship and prayer, firmly believing that the Messiah would bring redemption.
Based on this passage, let us focus on two key themes:
 The Elder Generation: Conveyors of Divine Blessings
Luke beautifully records Simeon's visit to the temple in Jerusalem and his encounter with the Holy Family. What's remarkable is that Simeon was the only one who blessed the family, serving as a channel for God's blessings upon them. Joseph and Mary obediently followed God's will and carried out the divine plan, making Simeon an instrument of God's blessing. This emphasizes that the older generation often becomes channels of blessings in our lives, as seen when Isaac blessed Jacob (Gen. 27:27) and Jacob blessed Pharaoh (Gen. 47:7). Caring for and respecting our elders is crucial for the survival and prosperity of society.
The Elder generation - Manifestations of Divine Warnings
After blessing Mary and Joseph, Simeon shared some unsettling prophecies. He described Jesus as the cause of the rise and fall of many in Israel. This elderly man openly acknowledged that there would be criticism and ridicule surrounding Jesus. When Mary heard these words, it caused her profound pain. While it may be uncomfortable to hear such warnings from the elderly, they often prove beneficial in the end. Here, Simeon warned Mary about Christ's crucifixion and suffering, emphasizing that she would endure great pain. Elders frequently offer warnings based on their life experiences and wisdom. We must recognize that these warnings, even if they cause discomfort, are intended to guide us toward what is good.
Dear friends in Christ, let us remember to care for and accept our elders as valued members of society, rather than viewing them as burdens in our lives.

Prayer
Dear Lord,  give us the grace to obey and care for our elders.
Thought for the Day
Are we prepared to show genuine respect and acceptance towards our elders in today's world?

Rev. Johnson P. Abraham
Vicar – Bethel MTC, Delhi
            

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