´óÏó´«Ã½

Good morning

One of the ladies in my local church, who is now well advanced in years, speaks often about the aging process, in a way that quite frankly frightens me sometimes. She says growing old brings her face to face with her mortality. But it is clear that she is not speaking of death alone; she means also the physical and mental limitations that old age brings; sometimes made more acute by illness.

Reports in the media from time to time highlight the plight of vulnerable older people and show how personal care and companionship can make a big difference to the quality of their lives. A recent report by the Care Quality Commission said 700,000 people above the age of 65 rely on home help for activities such as washing, dressing and eating. Sadly we also know that sometimes this help falls short of acceptable standards. Thankfully the evidence shows that in a majority of cases the recipients of help fare well.

The need for human companionship begins and stays with us throughout our lives. Those who work in coaching, mentoring and youth offending tell us that a key driver for young people joining gangs is their search for role models and mentors. If absent at home, they seek them elsewhere.

Oh God, you who pronounced that it is not good for ‘man’ to be alone, have made us to crave and to need human companionship. You send us as help to the aged, the sick and those unable to look after themselves; point us to those who are in prison and all who crave the companionship and generosity of their fellow humans. Put in each of our hearts a selfless love for one another so that no one is left alone and lonely. Amen.