
“They make us sound so expendable,” was a comment made a few months ago by several people in my congregation and in my family/friend circle. What did they mean? These elderly people were repeating the sentiment they have read or heard that they are old and that their potential deaths from COVID-19 are just part of how we, as a global community, will get through the pandemic. This all made me think about my reaction to the 2015 film, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a follow-up to the 2011 Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. First, let me say that I love the all-star cast. Who would not? From a film-critic perspective, I also appreciated that the film is set in India and mostly shot outdoors. Many scenes are set in the daytime, so the screen is saturated with sunlight and all colors of the spectrum. The film also has a vibrant musical score.
It has been interesting to watch the indigenous peoples around the American West protect their elders, from the Tulalip north of Seattle, the Navajo in Arizona, the Shoshone and Paiute on the Duck Valley Reservation on the Idaho/Neveda border and so many others. Elder is not a simple adjective but often a formal title. It is one thing to value the elderly in my own life, the people I have relationships. It is quite another thing and quite inspiring to watch an entire people value all the Elders in their community. What is more, they value the elderly not at the expense of other age groups.
Turning to my own tradition and our cannon of scripture, I have been thinking about Anna, the prophet in the beginning of Luke’s Gospel.
(Luke 2:36-38)
Something would be missing without Anna’s presence, her ministry, and her example. She and the priest Zechariah are the bridge, to be sure, between what was and what will be. Anna also exemplify what faithfulness and witnessing look like. Anna, because of or in spite of her old age, also shows what it looks like to continue the ancient in a new context. She continues the ancient practices of fasting and prayer. But with the birth of Immanuel she quickly becomes a witness. The elderly were, are, and will be essential to our communal life of faith and work of ministry.
Prayer...
(Psalm 71:17-18)




Meggan Manlove
ELCA Pastor, Trinity Lutheran, Nampa ID
This Post Has 6 Comments
Thank you, Meggan!!! We are NOT expendable!!! God Is done with us yet!
My mom used to say that “not feeling as needed anymore” was one of the hardships of aging. In her case, due to poor health. But she always remembered others through her own prayer & phone ministry. In very ill health herself, she prayed for & with people over the phone, almost up to her dying day in ‘95. She was needed!
Thank you for your loving & reassuring words to those of us “getting there” @ Trinity, who want to serve & feel needed.
I love those movies too. Our elders have so many gifts and wisdom to share. A good reminder of one of the gifts of the church – an intergenerational community.
Nice piece here, Meggan, on the elderly. I was cheering you on about valuing THEM in the church and then remembered I am one of THEM
Really appreciated this blog!
Excellent insights Meggan. It reminded me of my time 8n Shishmaref, where elders are treasured, respected and cared for each day by the village.