Scripture Reflection, October 28: The Promise of More

Scripture Readings:
Sirach 35: 12-14, 16-18
Psalm 34
2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18
Luke 18: 9-14

I met Josefa five years ago through Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, an international non-profit organization committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among senior citizens. Existing for those seniors who live without the love and support of family, Little Brothers’ motto is “flowers before bread,” a mantra expressing that sharing love and respect and bringing beauty to seniors is just as important as the basics of food and shelter. “One’s spirit does not live by bread alone; it is the human touch that makes life worth living,” according to the organization’s founder, Armand Marquiset. I agree.

Josefa and I have magnificently celebrated life together. We’ve shopped, dined, shared multiple conversations over General Foods International Coffee and stollen, drank cappuccinos at a local Austrian coffee shop (of which she is a native), and watched sappy “girl” movies. She’s been a source of wisdom, a listening ear and a presence of peace, and she remains that, but our still-magnificent encounters are now mainly confined to the nursing home where she lives.

As I read Sunday’s readings, I thought of my almost-centarian friend Josefa. Josefa is ready to die; ready to leave this world and meet her God. She has told me this during my last several visits, but her most recent communication seemed a plea to leave this life for one without pain and suffering. She questions God why she is still living, but trusts that God has a purpose.

The reading from Sirach tells us, and assures me, that God hears Josefa’s cries…and all of the cries of the weak, the oppressed, the orphan. I believe God has been hearing these cries throughout Josefa’s marriage and divorce, immigration to the United States, illness, alleged theft by her power of attorney, and the loss of her freedom, mobility and personal possessions when she became a permanent resident of the nursing home, albeit a beautiful one with a caring staff.

As the second reading to Timothy states, Josefa has been poured out like a libation, her departure is at hand. She has competed well, she will be finishing her race, and, in her journey in this life, she has kept her faith. She has lived a beautiful, simple and generous life, has trusted in God and accepted God’s will for her life. Unlike the Pharisee in the Gospel reading who proudly proclaimed his goodness and piety, Josefa has lived her faith humbly and quietly, with the promise that there is something more, something greater to come. Amidst all of her pain and uncertainty, Josefa remains the elegant, classy lady that I’ve come to deeply love throughout our years of friendship.

This week we also celebrate the feasts of All Saints and All Souls Day. Like others who have “competed well and finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:6) before her, I must face that sometime soon I will be remembering Josefa on these days, for the love and friendship she has granted me, and the beauty, grace and witness to the promise of God and the “something more” free of pain and suffering that awaits each of God’s disciples.

By Anne Marie Tirpak

Anne Marie Tirpak is a CTU Bernardin Scholar and works for the
Department of Stewardship and Development, Archdiocese of Chicago.