Old gifts

In the years immediately following the second World War, there was a tremendous increase in the number of babies born in the United States. These children became known as the “baby boom.” They have had a great influence on American culture ever since, especially in the power of the “youth culture” in the late sixties and early seventies. “Never trust anyone over 30,” they said.

Now, this generation is approaching retirement age and the media often repeats the slogan “60 is the new 30.”


Other cultures throughout the world and throughout history have maintained a deep appreciation for the elderly and their ongoing ability to contribute to society.

In today’s Gospel (Luke 2:22-40), two elderly people, Simeon and Anna, play key roles in the early life of Christ: providing unique insights to our Lord’s parents (prophecies that the Blessed Mother in particular takes to heart) as well as helping to spread the good news about the child to others beyond the parents’ immediate circle.

So also today in our own families and in our own lives, we should consider well and appreciate the value of the elderly among us: within our families, in our neighborhoods, in our churches, and even at work. God can give us many important gifts through our older brothers and sisters (and all of us will be in that same position ourselves someday).