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"My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering—it will take lasting root” (Sirach 3:12-14).
It was the first Sunday after Christmas, the feast of the Holy Family, and the reading from Sirach hit me hard. A doctor had just confirmed that my father’s forgetfulness, repetitiveness, and uncharacteristic paranoia were beyond the normal range for someone his age. Yes, Dad had Alzheimer’s.
“Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him” (Sirach 3:13). I knew it wouldn’t be easy to follow Sirach’s exhortation to patience. But along with grief and fear, I felt a deep sense of gratitude as I listened to that reading, for God had already been preparing me for the…
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I have learned patience from the opposite side…As a mother I was not a very patient person. Looking back I realize that and have decided to work at being a much more patient grandmother…It’s not always easy to curb my impatience but it’s a work in progress, an attitude adjustment. I now know why it’s a fruit of the Spirit, because of the overwhelming love that I feel when I practice this virtue.
In an ever-busy world, we tend to take measures that alienates one from our family, hiding under various excuses like modernization, self -emancipation! This article is concise and reminds us as christians to act truely to our calling; by renouncing oneself and allowing God to have its way in our life. This can be done by seeing Christ face on everybody, especially to our ageing family member that needs our support! There can’t be a better period than now! Have a wonderful lenten season!
The more we serve Jesus, the more we are serving and helping our parents!?
I have discovered that parents are saved by their children, not by the
treasures of this world!? Children are the growth points of Providence!?