"This is My Son, My Chosen; listen to Him!" St. Luke, 9:35.
Circumstances seem to indicate that this story happened in Russia. There was a great famine. Crops had failed for several years and people were starving by the thousands. A young king of the time had the idea that only young people were of any value. He had no respect for old people. They were worse than useless when food was scarce; they ate what might feed the young and healthy.
In the third year of the famine this foolhardy ruler made a heartless proposal: "Let us drown all the old people. They are no good to anybody. They are a drag."
"Suppose," asked one young advisor, "that the friends or children of an old person hide him?"
"Then," declared the king, "he who hides him shall be put to death with the one who is hidden. Those are my orders. Go carry them out."
And the orders were fulfilled, with a cry of woe rising in every corner of the land. Three young men, brothers, came to their aged father with the dreadful news.
"So be it, my boys," the old man sighed, "my life is nearly over. If I go away there will be more food for you."
"No, father," they cried, "we will not obey the king's order."
They pulled up part of the floor in their barn, made a cozy den and concealed their father, bringing him bits of black bread, and occasionally pulling him out for exercise and fresh air.
There they kept him all winter. In spring everyone, including the three brothers, was eager to grow something. But almost all the grain had been eaten and there was none to plant. The boys told their father.
"Go," he said, "to our cottage roof, and pull down the thatch. Perhaps among the old straw you will find some seeds. Plant them."
They did. In a short time the sprouts appeared. Their fields became fair and promising, while every other farm was barren and brown. News reached the king who called the brothers for an explanation. Before leaving the boys asked their father what they should tell the king.
"Tell him all, sons, tell him everything," he ordered.
When the king asked how they had grain when others did not, the boys answered: "Our dear old father told us to get seed from the thatch."
"Is your father still alive?" asked the king.
"He is."
"You have kept alive an aged person against my will?"
"We have," replied the boys.
"You knew you were running the risk of death?"
"Yes, your majesty, we knew it."
Everybody expected the king to sentence the boys to death, but instead he admitted his serious mistake in killing off the old people. The three devoted sons were rewarded with offices in his service.
That story is repeated in countless ways in real life. Right here in the United States we have thousands of thankless children who neglect their temporal duties to their parents. At the same time we have many who take care of their parents. They are like the loyal sons of our story. The King of kings will reward them. Consider your temporal duties to your parents:
1. You must provide for your parents when they are poor. Often they are poor because of the expenses they lavished on you. They gave you everything. Give them something in return.
I have seen many parents in a poorhouse or old folks' home whose children could easily have provided for them. How will God deal with such heartless, unnatural children.
2. You must take care of your parents when they are sick. Old age brings many infirmities. Father and mother need little attentions, they need medicine and certain kinds of food. Every child should delight in supplying these things, remembering the years when mother and father watched over them, and gave up many luxuries and good times for them.
3. Sympathize with your parents in their sorrows and share their troubles. Often old folks have difficulties and misfortunes which are due to their failing to understand modern methods and ways. If parents have a son or daughter on whom they can rely, they have a staff to lean upon, a trusted adviser, aide and helper.
4. You are bound to take care of your parents in their old age. Old people are a trial and a care. They become feeble, blind, deaf, lame, and sometimes
quite crabby--Right here it might be well for some old folks to examine their conscience. Are you trying to be pleasant and as little care as possible?
Still, you children were once a care to them. Did you ever hear the expression "second childhood"? It helps understand your duty. Your aged parents are going through a second childhood. They took care of you in your childhood; now take care of them in their "childhood."
May I here offer a public tribute to the many men and especially women who have sacrificed their lives in caring for an aged parent. Almost every parish, as well as ours, can boast of such heroes and heroines. Usually they wind up as bachelors and old maids. I know of dozens who had excellent chances for marriage and a career, but they sacrificed all to take care of mom and pop. By the time mother and dad passed away, it was too late for their devoted child to make his or her way in the world or in marriage. But it will never be too late for the good Lord to reward such devoted children. He always rewards those who "honor" their parents, who take care of them.
5. Carry out their last wishes. See that they make a clear and just will. God the Father was pleased with His beloved Son. May the Father be pleased with every son and daughter here, for taking care of mother and father. Amen.
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Adapted from Talks on the Commandments
by Fr. Arthur Tonne, OFM (© 1948)
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