NKCC

Rosa Parks with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

There are many aspects to respecting the dignity of the human person. This week, we will concentrate on how we view the elderly people around us. These are our brothers and sisters who have lived and experienced the good and the not so good aspects of life. On February 4th we celebrate the birthday of Rosa Parks, a woman of courage (and in her words, a tired woman) who chose to take a stand against segregation by refusing to move to the back of the bus. Rosa Parks is a stellar example of wisdom which can only come with age and experience. There is a tradition in the African American community of honoring the oldest person present at prayer or worship by inviting that elder to sit in a place of honor. The presider or lector then asks their permission to lead the community in prayer or to proclaim the Word. Your challenge this week is to honor a senior in your life—a grandparent, a senior citizen who lives next door or a “Rose Parks” type of person in the parish or community. Invite this person to share some wisdom with you through storytelling or simple conversation. Let the person’s 70 or 80 or 90 years of faithful living give you insights into what God calls all of us to do. Then go out and do it!