Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 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
            

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more