July 26, Tuesday, 17th Week in Ordinary Time
Saints Joachim and Anne, Memorial
Daily readings: Jeremiah 14:17-22; Gospel: Matthew 13:36-43
As we mark aging group people's day, let us be prepared to age with dignity and demonstrate our sympathy for the elderly and those in their twilight years.
In January 2021, Our Holy Father Pope Francis announced that the fourth Sunday of July would be World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. He said that this would be in honor of Jesus' grandparents, Saints Joachim and Anne.
Though the Bible is silent about the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Quran has a few things to say about them: they were devout people observing the Law of the Lord; they were fervent in prayers; Mary was born of them in their old age, and God protected Mary from the stain of sin.
Our Holy Father, reflecting on these saints, has the following to say:
(a) "An elderly person has dreams." They leave their unfulfilled dreams to the next generation;
(b) they have many memories, many things to be thankful for, and many things to let go of. Their memories are lessons for us, and
(c) they are prayerful. Their silent prayers save the world. "
You may undertake the following activities today: spending time with your grandparents, visiting their tombs, meditating on their life values, spending time with your grandchildren, and visiting a home for the aged.
Treat the elderly with respect and dignity. Thank God for giving you life, and accept that it is short.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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