Chris Skinner SM, refers to Pope Francis’s address to seniors and the elderly, and reminds us that Christ and His church are close to them, and loves them.

 

Simply use the questions below as starters to guide your sharing.

For the reflection material click HERE
An easy to print Marist Laity guide can be found HERE

To Use Online, keep scrolling – 

Begin with Prayer, then read Joel 2:28-29

“And it shall come to pass afterward,
    that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    your old men shall dream dreams,
    and your young men shall see visions.
  Even upon the menservants and maidservants
    in those days, I will pour out my spirit.”

  • Read the Scripture again to yourself. Notice how you feel.

  • Share a word, phrase, or sense that touches you.

  • Listen to the Reflection or Read the Script.

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To Listen online, click HERE.

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Ponder this Marist Moment:

The Marist project is not just a dream: it is a certain way. Craig Larkin SM

 

Only if the [Marist writings] ferment in your blood will the Spirit use them to transform you into the sort of Marist the times demand. Like all classic texts, the Marist writings have the power of renewing themselves in contact with each generation.  Frank McKay SM

 

 You may like to use these questions to guide your sharing

  • What strikes you the most from the reflection or the Marist Moment?

  • How have your grandparents or a special elder person shaped and impacted your life?

  • The Pope prays that every older person who is alone receives the visit of an angel. How are we called to be ‘angels’ (messengers of God) for others?

  • The vocation of the elderly is described in three pillars of dream, memory and prayer or “to preserve one’s roots, pass on the faith to the young, and care for the little ones”. What are some ways you see these ’pillars’ in your families or community?

  • “The prayer of the elderly can protect the world”. How can we encourage our praying elders in this special mission for the church and the world?

 

 

Pray with and for each other then conclude with this prayer.

 Lord, Thank you for the joys and struggles of life and family,         

for dreams fulfilled and for those still ahead of me. 

O Lord, make me a channel of your peace,

teach me to embrace those who suffer more than me,

to keep dreaming  in grace

and to tell of your wonders to new generations with wisdom, gentleness and love.

Give me the grace to honour and treasure the elderly.

Sustain me in weakness and help me live fully in each moment ,

in the certainty that you are with me every day.  Amen.