Among spiritual leaders of the twentieth century, Pope John Paul II surely looms large. His role in helping liberate eastern Europe from the tight grip of Communism guarantees him a prominent place in the history of our era. So do his initiatives to bring about understanding and love between members of his church and people of the Jewish faith

Now 79 years old, the Holy Father has recently written a letter to older people everywhere. Many Catholics will read this letter with interest and devotion; much in it will offer inspiration also to many other people interested in the spiritual life. It can serve all as a help toward reflection about what it means to be an older person in the light of faith..

Monsignor Charles Fahey, director of the Third Age Center in New York and the most prominent priest in the field of aging, calls this document “the best statement on the spirituality of aging that I have ever seen written by anybody.” When I talked with Monsignor Fahey, he praised the letter for “such warmth and feeling that comes through.” He recommends it to older people of all faiths.

The reason the pope gives for writing is that, at age 79,  he wants to reflect on the things he has in common with his age peers. He feels himself to have arrived at a deeper understanding about the later stages of life and is eager to share some of that with others.

Looking back, John Paul recalls the stages of his life and especially the people who have been important to him. When you consider the traumatic events of his early life as his beloved Poland was overrun by the Nazi-led German army, you can understand what a mixture of memories he must have.

Throughout it all, he sees the hand of God loving and protecting him. He makes his own the words of Psalm 71: “You have taught me, O God,  from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. And now that I am old and gray, O God, forsake me not, till I proclaim your strength to every generation that is to come.”

Though the pope does not downplay the horrors of twentieth century history, he finds signs of hope as the next millennium arrives. Among these signs he cites the growing consensus on the human rights of people everywhere. The dialogue that is taking place among the different religions of the world also cheers his spirit.

Recognition of the rights of women and a developing sense about the need to protect the earth add to John Paul’s reasons for hope. He also takes note of the value of democracy, and of the free market as well.

For inspiration in aging he looks to men and women of the Bible. He starts with Abraham and Sarah, who laughed at the idea that they could become parents at their advanced age. By responding to God’s call with faith they became part of the divine plan of salvation history.

Moses, the great leader of the Chosen People of Israel, was an old man when he crossed the Red Sea toward freedom. His courage and sheer grit ultimately brought the liberation his people had longed for.

Turning toward the New Testament, the Holy Father points to Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist. They, too, were old when this great prophet was conceived and born.

Simeon and Anna, both well into their eighties, find fulfillment when they meet the infant Jesus as he is presented in the temple. That’s when Simeon sings his famous “Nunc Dimittis” (“Now you do dismiss your servant in peace.”)

Nicodemus also is recognized as an elder who showed courage and faith. In what had to be an act of courage, he dared come to anoint the dead body of Jesus with spices.

Finally, John Paul cites St. Peter who in advanced years underwent martyrdom for his faith in Christ.

These are the biblical people blessed by God with long life and destined to play vital parts in the divine plan of salvation.

Much else of spiritual value remains in this lengthy letter. Anyone with access to the internet either at home or at a public library can find the text under the address http://www.vatican.va

Richard Griffin