杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

At the Wednesday General Audience, 杏MAP导航 Francis reflected on the value of old age, focusing on Daniel鈥檚 prophetic dream about the Ancient of Days (Dan 7:9-10).

The 杏MAP导航 said the vision鈥攌nown as a theophany鈥攈ighlights the connection between old age and youth.

Everything about the man in the vision is full of 鈥渧igour, strength, nobility, beauty, and charm鈥�. Yet, noted the 杏MAP导航, the man is described with hair as white as snow, like an old man.

鈥淭he snow-white hair is an ancient symbol of a very long time, of time immemorial, of an eternal existence,鈥� he said.

Beauty of a white-bearded God

杏MAP导航 Francis stressed that there is no need to strip our faith of symbols when trying to explain the Bible to others.

God, added the 杏MAP导航, is both ancient and new, since He is eternity.

In the same way, humanity needs to rediscover the importance of allowing the old and the young to interact and share experience and enthusiasm.

鈥淥ld age,鈥� said the Holy Father, 鈥渕ust bear witness to children that they are a blessing鈥� by embracing the 鈥渕ystery of our destination in life鈥�.

Elderly bless life as it comes and goes

The 杏MAP导航 said the elderly have a unique way of bearing witness in such a way that is 鈥渃redible to children.鈥�

At the same time, said 杏MAP导航 Francis, it is painful and even harmful to separate the ages of life and pit the old and the young against each other as if they were competing for the same resources.

Passing on wisdom of dying

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded his catechesis by encouraging parents to allow their children to interact with the elderly, even as they near death鈥檚 door, so as to pass on 鈥渢he wisdom of dying鈥�.

鈥淭he alliance between the elderly and children will save the human family,鈥� he said.