秋高氣爽

Prayer of an Aging Jesuit

Dearest Lord , teach me to grow gracefully.
Help me to see that my community does me no wrong when gradually it takes from me my duties;
when it no longer seems to seek my views.

Rid me of my pride in all the “wisdom” I have learned.
Rid me of the illusion that I am indispensable.
Help me in this gradual detachment from earthly things to grasp the
meaning of your law of time.

Teach me, in this turn-over of work and workers,
to discern a striking expression of life’s constant renewal under the
impulse of your providence.

And please, Lord, let me still be useful,
contributing to the world my optimism,
adding my prayers to the joyful fervor and courage of those who now
take their turn at the helm.

Let my life-style now become one of humble and serene contact with the
world in change,
shedding no tears for the past;
making of my human sufferings a gift of reparation to all my brothers.

Let my leaving the field of action be simple and natural like a
glowing, cheerful sunset.

Lord, forgive me if only now in my tranquility I begin to know how much
you love me,
how much you’ve helped me.

And now, finally, may I have a clear, a deep understanding of the
joyful destiny you have prepared for me
guiding my every step from the first day of my life.

Lord, teach me to grow old …. just so.