“The life of our communities must know how to benefit from the talents and charisms of so many elderly people who are already retired, but who are a wealth to be treasured,” Pope Francis said in his weekly audience.

The story of Eleazar refusing to back down from his faith even in his old age reminds us that faith without action is just hypocrisy.

“Look closely at the relationship you have with your mothers-in-law: at times they are a bit special, but they have been the mother to your spouse, they have given you everything.”

“Honor thy father and mother” is a solemn commitment. It is not just about one’s own father and mother. It is about their generation and the generations before, honoring the elderly.

Pope Francis has asked several families to write the prayers and meditations for his Stations of the Cross service at Rome’s Colosseum on Good Friday.

Even though old age can weaken the body, Pope Francis said, it can also sharpen a person’s connection to God.