Fourth Quarter: Trusting God As We Age
How does God help us as we get older?
Fourth Quarter
When you are well into your seventies, you realize this could be the fourth quarter of your life. I look to the saints to help me navigate all the various trials the world has thrown my way. Age brings its small humiliations—sandals that pinch, eyes that sting—but these are not what I want to write about. I want to share the Gospel and how it has sustained me through every season of this life.
How does God help us as we get older?
Saint Faustina
If you ever need direction on trusting God, Saint Faustina is your guide. On February 22, 1931, Jesus appeared to this simple Polish nun and revealed to her the depth of His mercy. He asked her to bring the message of Divine Mercy to the world—a message so profound that Catholics have woven it into their daily prayer. God does not complicate His revelations; He simply calls us to trust.
When I visited Krakow, Poland, I purchased a beautiful Divine Mercy image. But I could not keep it. The same weevils that infested my antique dining set had also attacked the wooden frame. When I treated the furniture, I did not realize the weevils had wings—they had already spread to the image. I had to discard it.
Yet this loss taught me something. The Diary of Saint Faustina has given me profound spiritual insight into what it means to surrender—not just possessions, but control itself. It is truly an act of love from our Lord.
The Diary of Saint Faustina has given me so much spiritual insight. It is truly an act of love from our Lord.
Jesus, I Trust In You
With all the challenges of this world, we have no other choice but to turn to the Lord. Through every trial, I have never faltered in trusting Him. There are moments when I feel abandoned, yet I return always to this truth: He has been with me at every step. He speaks to me in visions, in dreams, through His Holy Word, and through the words of others.
The Lotto
The Lord spoke to me the other day about trusting Him for everything. Did I listen? Not really. Whenever the Lotto reaches over 300 million, I get excited and fall into the world’s delusions. “Lord, I don’t want the big prize, but I do want second place. I promise you I will give generously to ministries and to my parish.” So what happened the last time I bought a ticket? I lost my ATM card. That was my last purchase. What an inconvenience—having to reorder through online banking. I never win, and when I do, it’s only two dollars. I was sick to learn that Mega Millions now costs five dollars. What a waste.
Yet this morning, driving past the 7-11 after Mass, I saw the bold red sign: 600 million. For a moment, temptation flickered. But I bowed my head and thanked God for delivering me from this unhealthy habit.
Seventy-Four Years Young
Your mind tells you how you feel, regardless of age. There is something sacred about people who attend regular Mass; we remain under God’s protection. Did you know that volunteering adds years to your life? When you give of yourself—especially in service at church—you discover purpose. God is trusting you to guide others to Him.
I have watched young people lose their faith in secular environments. Imagine the spiritual and psychological harm done when they are taught to doubt God. So I pray daily that God will prepare my heart and mind to show my students who He truly is. I will never mislead them. With all my heart, I cannot.
With my recent fall, I depend on others for transportation. My left shoulder is in a sling. But neither will keep me from teaching catechism. He is my strength.
So at my age, I will continue to offer my services in teaching and guiding young people to the Lord. I will do this as long as God permits.
Japheth
Years ago I taught Christian Release Time, a Protestant Bible study program for fourth- and fifth-grade students in public schools. One student whose name is Japheth captured my heart immediately—though not for the reason you might think.
When he first told me his name, I answered, “Ja what?” I had never heard of this name before. It took me half the school year to pronounce it correctly. But by then, this young man held a special place in my heart.
A few years ago, Japheth recognized me at Mass. It was a beautiful reunion. His mother, Rosalva, and I are Eucharistic ministers at the 8:30 a.m. Mass, and we share a deep spiritual connection. I knew Japheth had recently become engaged, and I rejoiced with him.
Rosalva is a traditional Catholic woman who wears a beautiful lace veil. Her family usually sits directly behind Mike and me. One Sunday, Rosalva tapped my shoulder and said, “Japheth is getting married on August 16th. We would love to invite you to the service.” Of course I said yes. I have already begun praying for their nuptials, and I know it will be a beautiful wedding.
It took me a while to realize that Japheth’s name comes from Scripture. Japheth was one of Noah’s sons, mentioned in Genesis three times (Genesis 6:9-10, 6:32, and 9:18). He and his brothers played a crucial role in the story of the Great Flood and its aftermath. Japheth, along with his brothers Shem and Ham and their wives, are ancestors of all humanity.
After the flood, Noah became drunk. Japheth and his brother Shem acted with respectful discretion, covering their father’s nakedness without looking upon him. Because Japheth displayed such reverence, Noah blessed him and prophesied that God would enlarge his descendants. The name Japheth means “may he extend,” reflecting this prophecy of his descendants spreading across the earth. Read the full narrative in Genesis 9:20-27.
Now I understand why Rosalva named her son Japheth.
Genesis 9:23 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition