This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
A few years ago, a former parishioner told me she would be celebrating her 100th birthday in two days. She would be doing all the cooking for the celebration with her family of 15. Before the pandemic, she oversaw all the bereavement luncheons her parish hosted following every funeral. At that time, she was still driving her car.
At the time, I had just finished reading the latest book by Bill Barry, SJ, a great spiritual writer. He completed his ninth book at the age of 90 just before he died. Carl Jung, the famous psychoanalyst, said his most creative years were in his 80’s. A woman also in her 80’s told me that some of her best prayer experiences have been in her 80’s.
Aging has gotten a bad rap. We need new paradigms. All the current literature being written on aging views aging as a new stage of growth and development. Rather than viewing aging negatively, as a time of diminishment, this new chapter in our lives calls us to harvest our Inner Wisdom. We are invited to a new way of being, a process to become a sage, a wise person who is in touch with the gifts of our soul. It is a time for inner growth, a stage of spiritual development called elderhood. The elders in most cultures are the wisdom keepers who leave a legacy of compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Think of Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis and Mother Teresa. Think of grandparent energy.
Wisdom people are known for their depth, their vision, their lack of ego, and their generativity. They work for the common good. They know God and know who they are. They are people of gratitude. Hang out with elders, or become one yourself. You will be blessed.
The Rev. John Rose is a member of the InterFaith Works Roundtable of Faith Leaders.