Noble Example- Leading When You’re Old 

When things are going well everyone wants to be a leader. When there’s no risk or cost involved, everyone’s happy to lead the band. But when things are not going well and there’s a chance that all may be lost, we can tend to gravitate to the background. When it’s time to risk everything, then my knees may start to shake and I may not be so bold. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”. Hmmmmmm.

We read today at Mass about a man who led in a time of challenge and controversy. He risked everything, including his very life. He was willing to undergo torture and death in order to be faithful to God.  Eleazar was a leader! He was also 90 years old. Maybe El was tempted to think that he had already done his part, and it was time for someone younger to step into this role. But thank God Eleazar stood strong. Listen to these excerpts from Second Maccabees 6:18-31)

“Eleazar, preferring a glorious death to a life of defilement, went forward of his own accord to the instrument of torture.  Eleazar made up his mind in a noble manner, worthy of his years, the dignity of his advanced age, the merited distinction of his gray hair, and the admirable life he had lived from childhood; and so he declared that above all he would be loyal to the holy laws given by God… Therefore, by manfully giving up my life now, I will prove myself worthy of my old age, and I will leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.” …. Eleazar spoke thus, and went immediately to the instrument of torture. “The Lord in his holy knowledge knows full well that, although I could have escaped death, I am not only enduring terrible pain in my body from this scourging, but also suffering it with joy in my soul because of my devotion to him. This is how he died, leaving in his death a model of courage and an unforgettable example of virtue not only for the young but for the whole nation.”

I find the Book of Maccabees unsettling. It reminds me a bit of our nation today which seems to be succumbing to the spirit of the age. I don’t feel myself up to any big fights. As I move into old age, I can be tempted to think it’s time for me to ride into the sunset, to make a few farewell speeches and collect an honorarium; it’s time for the young to lead the charge. And while that may be somewhat true, the old still have a role. “In the dignity of advanced age and the merited distinction of gray hair the old need to do their duty and be faithful to the end….  to “finish strong”. We can’t cop out because our faculties are weakening. God will give us the strength to do our duty… to be models of courage and virtue not only for the young, but for all.

The church needs leaders of all ages… young and old.  Leaders who can help us to follow the Lord and do the right thing. The Holy Spirit is calling all of us to stay strong and fight the  good fight of faith. And like Eleazar may we do it generously, willingly, and with joy.