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Commentary on the Gospel for Monday, December 30, 2024
Some people desperately seek the fountain of youth. Others, in a way, “hate” old age. Nowadays, there’s a lot of talk about “ageism,” that semi-disdainful attitude toward those who are older. Not considering them, talking to them as if they were small children—or worse, as if they were fools. No matter how much affection caregivers put into their work, it often feels insulting. Aging certainly comes with many ailments and, at times, indignities. And in our society, there’s often a great emphasis on youth. On the other hand, there’s a tendency to romanticize old age, saying things like, “the elderly have given us everything.” Well, yes—some have, and some haven’t.
We shouldn’t value the elderly or the young simply for their age but because they are children of God. In today’s first reading, John writes to people of all ages; in each stage of life, God has revealed Himself in some way. And in the end, he concludes: those who do the will of God will live forever. It’s not about age but about belonging. It’s not about staying young forever but about listening to what God has for us each day and in every moment. It’s about living eternally.
What does living eternally mean for each of us? How has God revealed Himself to us in each stage of our lives? How do we hear God’s voice at different ages?
In today’s Gospel, Joseph and Mary follow what’s prescribed; Jesus returns to Nazareth with His parents and “is obedient to them.” In other words, they all do the will of God. The result is that the child grows in health and wisdom. It’s not about age; it’s about listening and fulfilling the will of God. We can always grow; we can live forever. This goes far beyond age. John writes to us no matter where we are in life—whether we’ve come to know the Father, feel our sins have been forgiven, or overcome the Evil One. We are told that by being subject to the Father, we can grow in health and wisdom. We already have the source—not of eternal youth, but of eternal life.