In the general audience, the Pope reflected on old age and frailty and made a speech that is “coherent” with his state of health and current situation.
In the general audience on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, Pope Francis invited not emeddle in the lives of others. And he mentioned the “art” of a good “farewell” by the older ones who, instead of occupying space, can accompany the growth of the younger ones.
The Pontiff arrived today at St. Peter’s Square standing, not in a wheelchair, as he had been seen in the latest images, due to gonalgia (intense pain in his right knee). He moved supported with a cane. Something that had fueled “murmurs” about his resignation and that “doesn’t cross his mind” (06.21.2022).
In today’s catechesis, the Pope reflected on Jesus’ dialogue with Peter, which is at the end of the Gospel of John (Jn 21,17-18). “It is a direct and open conversation between the Master and the disciple, based on the TRUE and the freedom”.
Learn to say goodbye and give space to the young
The Pope commented on this passage, in which he said “we find” references to “old age” and reflected on how difficult it is for the elderly to accept frailty and stop being protagonists.
And urged to ask us: “Do we have a spirituality really capable of interpreting the time – now long and extended – of this time of our weakness entrusted to others, rather than to the power of our autonomy?
How to remain faithful to the lived sequel, to the promised love, to the justice sought in the time of our capacity for initiative, in the time of the fragility of dependency, of the farewell of the leading role in our lives?, he added.
The Pope, 85 years old, looked at the public of faithful and pilgrims and said: “It is not easy to stop being a protagonist, it is not easy.”
“This new time is also a time of trial, certainly. Starting with the temptation – very human, no doubt, but also very insidious – to keep our leading role. “And him?” says Peter, seeing the beloved disciple who was following him (cf. vv. 20-21)”.
Meddling in the lives of others?
So, the Pope asked at that stage of life not to get involved in the lives of others. “Meddling in the lives of others. And no: Jesus says, “Shut up!
And he explains that following Jesus is forgetting to occupy space. And before others not to worry about questions: “Should it take up “my” space? Should he be my successor? They are questions that do not serve, that do not help”.
“Should he outlast me and take my place? And Jesus’ answer is frank and even harsh: «What does it matter to you? Follow me» (v. 22), as if to say: take care of your own life, of your current situation, and do not stick your nose in the lives of others. follow me”.
Jesus: follow me
Francis pointed out It is important to follow Jesus: “in life and in death, in health and in sickness, in life when it is prosperous with many successes and in life that is also difficult with many bad moments of downfall.”
“And when we want to get into the lives of others, Jesus answers us: » And what does it matter to you? Follow me,” he noted.
In old age, the Pope insists that “Jesus warns Peter that, with the passage of time, he will have to learn to follow him taking into account his own fragility, that will limit him in his action and, even, in certain aspects, will lead him to depend on others”.
Fortitude in the spiritual life in the face of fragility
The Pope, who has had to use a cane and a wheelchair on the recommendation of doctors because of his intense pain in his right knee, invited coherence, despite his fragility.
“At each stage of life we have to get to know each other and learn to be consistent, counting with our frailties and limitations”.
For this, the Pope insisted, “we need, especially in old age, a spirituality may it help us to remain faithful to the following of Christ until the end”.
He also urged to knowgive space to the young generations that come after us; and to thank the Lord for all the blessings we receive from his infinite goodness.”
Finally, the Pope greeted the pilgrims. “Let us ask the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary to resemble our hearts to theirs, and that, beating at the same rhythm, we know how to live with faith and serene joy each stage of our life. God bless you. Thank you very much”.
The Pope: Getting into the lives of others. Nope! Jesus says: “Shut up!”