Lent and Aging

As Lent begins, Rose and I find ourselves living among a community of septa- and octogenarians.  Although we are now closer to 70 than 60, we are considered young in this neighborhood.  It is interesting to observe and live with the various responses people have to the aging process.  A few fight it tooth and nail (literally) and try to disguise it with youngish attire, jewelry, and make-up, but most are handling it with good humor and modesty.  The exercise classes are full, the golf course and tennis courts are jammed, and it seems everyone is out walking or biking.

The word lent comes from the Latin word “lento” meaning slowly, but is also intended to mean “Spring” which seems to come so slowly.  Reflecting on that, it is no coincidence that we begin this liturgical season being reminded of our mortality and ultimate return to the earth.  Aging is the very natural process of doing just that.  Our bodies are no longer as flexible or strong as they used to be.  Our skin sags, bulges, bears the lines and signs of aging, and our hormones are in decline.  Nothing could be more natural, and so it got me wondering why God would intend our lives to suffer this inevitable process.   We have now passed beyond our most productive years, but seem to have entered a time of more reflection.  Our bodies are slowing down to the point that we have more time to think quietly about our lives and our past.  In youth we were compelled by the hormones coursing through our bodies, to separate from our parents, seek mates, and begin families.   Now we are more like monks, reflecting not on what we are to do, but what we have done, and whom we have become.  In a very real sense, aging forces our souls to mature, preparing us not for death, but for our next great adventure in life beyond death.   At last, our soul is becoming stronger than our bodies, and less influenced by the demands of our bodies.   We are less concerned now with our utility, and more aware of our character.   This is exactly as it should be.

Even as our bodies become a caricature of our former self, and more notable for the lines and exaggerated features we now display, our lives take on more character, not just for ourselves, but for our families who care for us and continue to learn from how we handle this time of life.  Lent is a season of reflection and so is old age.  When we’re younger, old age and death always seem distant.  For those of us in our 7^th and 8^th decades,* not so much.   Facing our mortality is good for our soul, and the closer we get to the end of our lives, the easier it is to focus on death and rebirth into life after death.  This is not something to be fought-off or disguised, but rather, an opportunity to reflect and prepare our soul for the journey ahead, unencumbered by the demands of our bodies.  Like lent, old age need not be a sorrowful time, but a time of joy and anticipation for all that lies ahead.   Of course that implies we have faith in the Word of God who has promised us eternal life.  I hope this lent brings each of your closer to that realization and belief, which is also a source of confidence and hope.

*(At the age of 60 we have completed 6 decades and begin our 7^th).