Revd Noreen Russell has written a reflection on ageing and our response to it in this week's Newsletter. There are as many sayings about being old as there are about being young. Christianity celebrates the wonder and richness of both, as we set aside all the troubles that can occur along the way. Just as anyone who is 8 or 18 wonders how life will turn out for them, so those who are in their 70s, 80s or beyond can usually look back at that uncertain person they once were and sympathise with the worries of the young child or adult. In this life, unless the specialists in genetics come up with some new science, we are all heading down the ageing route, no matter what the cosmetics and fitness industries may have to say about it.
It sometimes may seem as though Christians are focussed on what happens after one dies and that is certainly a BIG part of our faith, but we don't forget that Jesus wanted us to enjoy our lives, savouring our existence as individuals and as part of God's creation. The early Christians felt freed from the shackles of their everyday existences, whether they were rich or poor. Just like nowadays, there were far more poor Christians than rich ones. They did not feel free because they had forgotten about the trials and difficulties of life. They did not think that all their pains, worries and suffering were somehow done away with or had become acceptable. There was certainly a cynical side that developed at the top of the money and power pyramid, where poor people were taught that they should accept anything that their 'betters' inflicted on them, since their reward would be in heaven, whilst the rich could enjoy exploiting everyone else on earth.
That is not the message of Christianity, though. The joy of being a Christian comes from the faith that there is another life after death but also from the message that God loves and forgives us. It is Good News, which is what the word Gospel means.
That Good News is there for everyone, whatever their age. We see the look of happiness and peace that comes onto children's faces as well as those of pensioners, as that message reaches a part of them that longs for answers and meaning. This is not indoctrination; to those who have experienced it, there is a realisation that a God-shaped hole exists inside us and that it has just been filled with love and hope.
That is why the young are not to be ignored; God loves them and wishes them to come to him. That is why the old are not to be ignored or sidelined; the very phrase 'pensioned off' is a complete nonsense to God. Jesus taught us that we are all loved, that we are all valued, that we are all children of God and that his offer of hope, of a great life on earth and a greater one with him in the future is there for everyone.
Ageing certainly makes us realise how rare and precious life is. It also helps us appreciate one another, understanding how we can all act to support other people and be able to accept support when it is offered and needed. That is why Jesus spoke of us all being one body and why, in Holy Communion, we say that we are. It is a wonderful way to make one's journey through life and why Christians will always reach out to others. What we have, we wish with all our hearts and minds others could also have. It's a free gift from God, as explained to us by Jesus. It's called grace. Amen.