Says it is Delusional to Try to Stop the Natural Passage of Time
Pope Francis made a public profession to a general audience, emphasizing that the concept of stopping time or attempting to achieve eternal youth, unlimited well-being, or absolute power is not only impossible but it is also delusional. [i]
Instead, he calls on individuals to view the passing of time from the Christian perspective as a promise, not a threat.
He encourages men and women to recognize that time is a gift rather than something to be feared and to embrace the opportunities that come with it. [i]
He also reminds us that we can use the time we have to grow spiritually and create positive change in the world through dedication to God. Pope Francis emphasizes that it is important to make the most of our time and use it to build a better future for ourselves, our families, and our communities. [i]
Pope Francis likened life on earth to a “novitiate,” which is a period of preparation for religious life, such as a monk or nun, typically lasting one to two years. This period of preparation is also symbolic of preparation for an everlasting life in heaven that will be superior to the time of our mortal life on earth. [ii]
He continues to point out that “old age brings closer the hope” of fulfilling God’s promise of receiving eternal life in the afterlife, as it is a reminder of our mortality and the end of our time on earth. Through the hardships, trials, and tribulations of life on earth, we can remain focused on the hope of eternal life in heaven and fulfilling God’s promise. [ii]
The Pope recently called on Christians to live their final years with hope and anticipation of the Lord’s promise.
He particularly encouraged the elderly to look forward to the time when they will be reunited with the Lord and to live out their remaining years in joyful expectation of the presence of God. [ii]
He stressed that the elderly should remain active in their faith, continually deepening their relationship with God and committing to serve Him with all their heart. [ii]
The Pope reminded them that death is not the end of life but simply a transition to a better and more fulfilling life with the Lord. He urged them to prepare for this journey with trust, joy, and an ever-increasing faith in God. [ii]
Woman praying with Bible. Arada Photography/Adobe Stock
Pope Francis has a very positive outlook on old age, describing it as “the phase in life most suited to spreading the joyful news that life is the initiation to a final fulfillment.” [iii]
He believes that old age can be a time of wisdom and insight, in which one can look back on a life of work, family, and experiences with contentment.
Furthermore, he states that “the passage of time no longer carries any weight,” and encourages people to look forward to the future with optimism, proclaiming, “The best is yet to come.” [iii]
Pope Francis has been vocal about the importance of maintaining the dignity of the elderly, even before his general audiences this year. [iv]
During those audiences, which have been held via video due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pope has reportedly given 16 reflections that focus on the dignity of the elderly. [iv]
These reflections, which are often drawn from his own experiences, emphasize the importance of respecting and caring for the elderly, as well as maintaining their dignity as part of the larger human family. [iv]
Pope Francis has also urged other religious leaders and members of the public to follow suit in recognizing and honoring the elderly.
He has highlighted the wisdom and experience that the elderly can bring to society and has encouraged all people, not just religious communities or religious orders, to cherish and preserve the dignity of the elderly in their communities. [iv]
Pope Francis Rolando Mailo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
At the end of his address, Pope Francis issued a powerful and important reminder to his audience that our ultimate destination in life is not this world but the eternal presence of the Lord. [iv]
He reminded them that they should strive to be close to the Lord in every way and that their destination is ultimately to be in the Kingdom of God beside Him. It is still unknown what subject Pope Francis will be discussing during the next week’s general audience. [iv]
References
[i] Courtney Mares, Desire for eternal youth is ‘delusional,’ (Aug. 12, 2022)
[ii] Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service, Desire for eternal youth is ‘delusional,’ Pope says, (Aug. 10, 2022)
[iii] Courtney Mares, Desire for eternal youth is ‘delusional,’ (Aug. 12, 2022)
[iv] Id.
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