In our parish’s OCIA program, there is also a spirited 90-year-old man preparing to receive the Sacraments next Easter. When he expressed his desire to be baptized, I was thrilled and told him, “I’d be honored to baptize you! Just complete a few sessions with our deacon, and we can do it on Easter.” I even asked, “How about we do it next month?” His response surprised me: “Oh no, Father. I want to join the rest of the classes in the OCIA program first.” I had wanted to baptize him immediately, so I couldn’t help but wonder why he needed to go through a yearlong program.
Another inspiring figure in my life is Sister Marilena Narvaez, an extraordinary woman who, at 84 years old, still dedicates herself to helping others. She tirelessly raises funds for poor families, college students, and children in Paliparan, Cavite. Just today, she texted me about her latest achievement: distributing 400 bags of groceries. “Sister, don’t you think it’s time to retire?” I asked her. Her response was motivating: “As long as I can still move, I will continue organizing these charitable projects.”
Old age can be a challenging phase of life to accept, and I find myself grappling with that reality now. Many of us complain about the challenges of aging. I remember a priest once advised me, “Don’t get old.” Indeed, growing older can be tough; fatigue sets in more quickly, and aches and pains become more frequent. It requires tremendous patience to navigate this stage of life.
In the Gospel, we encounter two elderly figures: Zechariah and Elizabeth. While the Gospel doesn’t specify their ages, it tells us they have long been waiting for a child. A deeply devout couple, they visit the temple daily, praying for a son. Their community shamed them for their childlessness, especially Elizabeth. Hope seemed lost—until one fateful night, when Zechariah had the rare honor of entering the sanctuary to burn incense. It was then that the angel Gabriel appeared to him with the astounding news that his wife would bear a son. Stunned, Zechariah questioned how this could be, given their advanced years, and as a result, he was struck mute.
Before we judge Zechariah for his doubt, we should consider the remarkable traits he and Elizabeth embody. Their story is one of patience and unwavering faith. Can you imagine the years they spent praying and waiting for a child, despite the shame and loneliness they endured as an elderly couple? Yet throughout it all, they remained committed to serving the Lord. Their example invites us to reflect: Do we cultivate the virtue of patience in our own lives? Are we patient with ourselves, with others, with our parents, our children, and even with our church community? True Christianity extends far beyond simply attending church; it involves embodying virtues such as patience, humility, perseverance, resilience, positivity, and hope.
Let’s also consider Zechariah’s moment of doubt. Could it be that the devil influenced his skepticism? I believe that doubt can often stem from adverse forces, just as it did with Zechariah.
As we reflect on these profound lessons from Zechariah and Elizabeth, may we find the strength and patience to embrace our own journeys, both the joys and the struggles that come with aging.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.