Scripture makes it clear that the latter years of our lives can be times for bearing great fruit. Consider the following:

• At age seventy-five, Abram left his homeland with blind faith. He became the "father of many nations" (Rm 4:17).
• Anna the prophetess was eighty-four when she saw the infant Jesus and prophesied (Lk 2:37-38).
• Eleazar was ninety when he died valiantly (2 Mc 6:24ff) as a witness to his faith in God.
• Moses was nearly eighty when he led the Israelites through the Red Sea. For the next forty years led them through the desert to the border of the promised land (see Dt 34:7).

Those who live in Jesus, even if they are old by the world's standards, are new creations (2 Cor 5:17). They shall outwork young people (Is 40:30-31), constantly being renewed in strength (Is 40:31; Ps 103:5). "They shall bear fruit even in old age; vigorous and sturdy shall they be" (Ps 92:15). "Old men shall dream dreams" (Acts 2:17) and prophesy (Lk 2:25ff). Older women can begin significant ministries (1 Tm 5:9-10; Ti 2:3-5).

God is not limited by what we think are limitations. He will use our limitations to reach those who would not be reached except through older people who actively serve Him. The Lord can save the best for last (Jn 2:10). The opposite of "old" is not "young" but "new." Be made new in Jesus, and serve Him now.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 20, 2004

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