How does God help us as we get older?
Fourth Quarter
When you are well into your seventies you realize that this could be the fourth quarter of your life. I look to saints to help me with all the various passes the world has thrown my way. Every year something goes awry. This year, much to my surprise, the same sandals that I wore last year now hurt to walk in. My eyes are suffering from extreme dryness. This condition has forced my new routine: wearing a heated eye mask and taking fish oil and eye drops to sooth the irritation. But that’s not what I really want to write about. I want to share the Gospel and how it has helped me every step of my life.
Saint Faustina
If you ever need direction on trusting God, Saint Faustina is your go-to saint. On February 22, 1931, our Savior Jesus appeared to this simple Polish nun. He revealed to her the depth of His mercy and wanted her to bring the message of Divine Mercy to the world. This message is so profound that we Catholics have incorporated it into our daily rosary. God never complicates or distorts messages; He simply wanted for us to trust in Him.
When I visited Krakow, Poland, I purchased the most beautiful image of the Divine Mercy. As much as I wanted to keep the special image, I had to discard it because the same weevils that attacked my antique dining set also started eating the wood frame of the Divine Mercy image. When I had the furniture treated for the pests, I did not realize that these evil weevils had wings, and had infested the wooden frame of the Divine Mercy image as well.
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 alternative than to turn to the Lord. Through all my trials I have never faltered in trusting the Lord. Despite the fact that at times I feel abandoned, I always revert to how He has been with me every step of my life. He speaks to me in visions, dreams, His Holy Word, and through others.
The Lotto
The Lord spoke to me the other day about trusting Him for everything. Did I listen? Not really. Typically when the Lotto reaches over 300 million, I get all excited and fall into the delusions of the world. “Lord, I don’t want the big prize, but I do want to get second. “I promise the Lord of all the help I will give others: donations to different ministries and to my parish as well.” So what happened to me the last time I made a lottery ticket purchase? I lost my ATM card; that was my last purchase. What an inconvenience to have to go back to your online banking account and reorder a new card! Furthermore, I never win and when I do it’s only two dollars. I was sick to my stomach to find out that the Mega Millions Lattery is now costing five dollars! What a waste of money!
Seventy-three Years Young
Regardless of how old you are, your mind will tell you how you feel. There is something to be said about people who attend regular church services; we remain under the covering of God. Did you know that when you are involved in volunteering to help others, it adds years to your life? When you are giving of yourself, especially by volunteering at church, it gives you a sense of purpose. God is trusting you to guide others to Him. Imagine all the spiritual and psychological harm that Ivy League colleges have done by indoctrinating their youth with an agnostic mindset. With all my heart, I never will mislead any of my students because, simply put, I pray for God to prepare my heart and mind and to use me to touch these students.
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 attending public schools. I will never forget one of my students whose name is Japheth. When he told me his name, “I answered, Ja what?” I had never in my life heard of this unusual name. It took me more than half of the year to get the pronunciation of his name correct. Needless to say, this young man had 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. We have a deep spiritual connection. I knew that Japheth had recently become engaged, and I shared in this joyous occasion. Rosalva is a traditional Catholic woman who covers her hair with a beautiful lace veil. Japheth’s family usually sits directly behind Mike and me at Mass. This Sunday Rosalva tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Japheth is getting married on August 16th, and we would love to invite you to come to the service.” Of course I will be there, and I have already started praying for their nuptials. I know it’s going to be a beautiful wedding.
It took me a while to realize that Japheth was one of Noah’s sones He is mentioned int the Bible three times (Genesis 6:9-10; 6:32; and 9:18). Japheth and his three brothers played a role in the story of the Great Flood and its aftermath. Japheth, along with his brothers Shem and Ham and the wives are ancestors of all all humanity.
After the flood Noah becomes drunk and Japheth, along with his brother Shem, act with respectful discretion by covering their father’s nakedness without looking upon him. Because Japheth displayed such reverence for his father, Noah, blessed him and prophesied that God would enlarge his descendants. The name Japheth is believed to mean “may he extend,” reflecting the prophecy of his descendants spreading out. You can read the full narrative in (Genesis 9:20-27).
Now I understand why Rosalva named her son Japheth.
