Wisdom is with the aged

By Greg Zambrano

When we go to Mass, there are many things that we notice occurring. Offering Jesus, his death on the cross and our clean and contrite heart are the ultimate offerings to God from the laity.

If you ever attend Mass on a weekday, especially early in the morning, you notice that those there are mostly senior citizens. Whenever everyone stands, sits or kneels, they are usually the first ones to do so. Especially when it comes to standing from a sitting position, they sometimes anticipate the call from the priest to stand.

This reminds me of growing up in south Florida. As a kid, I remember going to visit my dad’s aunts in Hollywood, Florida. In the area where they lived, everyone was a retiree. One thing I noticed while sitting in the back of the station wagon, riding around that part of town, was a lot of signs that advertised early-bird specials. After asking what that meant, I understood that grandparents like eating dinner extra early; sometimes even before 5 p.m.

At the age of 70 and above, some people have trouble standing because of a bad knee, hip or another health condition. It is inspiring to see these battle-ready spiritual warriors come to daily Mass for the love of God.

When many of the elderly after Mass and in adoration chapel tell me that they wished they would have brought their children when they were my age, this is a powerful indicator that I must continue bringing my kids to Mass and adoration.

Job 12:12 states, “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding (Verse 13).”

I can recognize the wisdom in our senior citizens because, with their patience and spirit of survival, they point to us the salvation of Christ.