Every parish has those dedicated souls who will stop at nothing to get to daily Mass.

They’re an inspiration to the rest of us. Referring to the 101-year-old gentleman who still drives himself to Mass, a fellow parishioner once said to me, “If he can make it to Mass, WE can make it here.”

She’s right.

Our 101-year-old friend has had some medical challenges lately and he hasn’t been at daily Mass for a few weeks, though he’s made it every Sunday. Today, though, he was there, in his regular pew, the first to stand and kneel when it’s time for that (yes — he still kneels).

Another elderly gentleman has also struggled lately with his health, and it’s always good to see him there too. He never fails to greet me with a big smile and a wave when I get to my pew.

In his homily today, Father mentioned the difficulties Catholics face in some parts of the world, such as Nicaragua and China, noting that we should always be grateful for our opportunity to freely attend Mass every day.

These two men clearly took it to heart. Leaning on their canes, they headed out the front door of the church after Mass, where they looked at each other, smiled, and said, “We made it to another one!”

It’s never guaranteed, after all, whether or not we’re 101 years old. But when we do make it there, we should be rejoicing.

Copyright 2024 Barb Szyszkiewicz
Image copyright 2024 Barb Szyszkiewicz, all rights reserved.