Grow old gracefully
Yesterday we celebrated 81st birthday of Fr. Kees Swinkels. Everyone was happy, most especially Fr. Kees. I remember this saying: "When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in happy old age." I believe that I must learn from Fr. Kees how to live the principles of growing old gracefully (when in the future I reach that stage of age).
First, "WHATEVER A MAN SOWS, THAT HE WILL ALSO REAP..." Stated more fully, St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians (Gal 6:7-8) said, "..... for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."
Second, "MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE..." Quoted by Jesus in Mt 4:4, we can focus our attention on two words: (a). Bread - involves more than just dough; includes all things of a material nature. (b). Live - involves more than simple existence; includes living life in its fullest sense, i.e., an abundant life.
Third, "BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO FINDS WISDOM..." Wisdom here refers to insight, understanding, which enables one to make the best use of his or her talents and circumstances, avoiding the mistakes and pitfalls of life.
Happy Birthday Fr. Kees. Teach us to keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, and reverent - that is to triumph over old age."
We, the young, have a special way to express our happiness:
First, "WHATEVER A MAN SOWS, THAT HE WILL ALSO REAP..." Stated more fully, St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians (Gal 6:7-8) said, "..... for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."
Second, "MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE..." Quoted by Jesus in Mt 4:4, we can focus our attention on two words: (a). Bread - involves more than just dough; includes all things of a material nature. (b). Live - involves more than simple existence; includes living life in its fullest sense, i.e., an abundant life.
Third, "BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO FINDS WISDOM..." Wisdom here refers to insight, understanding, which enables one to make the best use of his or her talents and circumstances, avoiding the mistakes and pitfalls of life.
Happy Birthday Fr. Kees. Teach us to keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, and reverent - that is to triumph over old age."
We, the young, have a special way to express our happiness:
