Reflection - The call to serve does not grow faint with the passing years

Photo: canva.com/CharlVera

These words of Jesus, quoted in Matthew 10:16, are both challenging and consoling. Jesus does not paint a romantic picture of discipleship. Instead, he tells the truth: to follow him is to be sent into a world that often misunderstands, resists and even threatens the message of the Gospel. But Jesus also reveals something deeper; vulnerability is not a flaw but a part of mission.

As I reflect on this passage, another question rises within me: Now that I am older, physically weaker, and perhaps more limited than before, can God still use me?

I hear this question frequently across many missionary societies and religious congregations, including the Columbans, who are witnessing an increase in ageing members. Those who once carried the mission across oceans, preached in distant lands, and stood in solidarity with the poor and persecuted are now moving more slowly, speaking more softly, and needing more care. And yet, the fire of mission still burns. The call to serve does not grow faint with the passing years.

Moses comes to mind. When God called him from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses did not feel ready. In fact, he resisted the call - not because he lacked faith in God, but because he knew his own limitations. “I have never been eloquent,” he said. “I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10). Moses had a speech impediment, and he feared he would not be able to represent God effectively.

But God’s reply is powerful: “Who gave human beings their mouths? … Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:11–12). In other words: “It is not about you - it is about Me working through you.”

That message still holds. The Columbans, like many missionary societies and religious congregations, face the natural reality of an ageing membership. But ageing is not the same as retreating. The temptation may be to believe that our time to contribute has passed, that others - younger, stronger, more energetic - must now carry the torch. And yes, we must prepare and encourage the next generation. But that does not mean our mission is over.

Even in our weakness, God is still at work.

To be “sheep among wolves” means to walk into the world not with worldly power, but with deep trust. Sheep are not known for strength or strategy - they rely entirely on the shepherd. And so should we.

God never asked us to rely on ourselves. The world deceives us when it claims our value comes from productivity, youth, and strength. The Gospel tells another story. It is in our fragility that grace is revealed. When we can no longer “do” as we once did, we are invited to “be” - to be present, to be prayerful, to be compassionate. This is no less of a mission; it is simply a different form of it.

I think of elderly Columbans who spend their days praying for others, offering up their aches and sorrows as intercession for the world. I think of those who, even in pain, take time to listen to others, offering quiet wisdom gained through a lifetime of faith. These are not small acts. These are sacred ministries.

In our communities, we must resist the notion that ageing equals irrelevance. The Church, and especially our missionary societies and religious congregations, must be places where every life stage is valued, where elder members are not seen as burdens but as bearers of deep spiritual gifts.