Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 reminds us that the vitality of youth surrenders reluctantly to the reality of aging. 

I must admit that I am aging – currently I’m 39 with almost 35 years of experience. I used to wonder what aging might have in store for me. I found out in February. I inherited the family knees, and my left one decided to give way unexpectedly. (I knew it would, but not now!) 

Good news: My new knee will have me back in the office soon.

With time on my hands, I started trolling Amazon audible books for Kindle (probably because I easily fall asleep trying to read). I hit the jackpot last week. I listened to the audible sample of Daniel J. Levitin’s Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives (2020). 

One of the reviewers said the book “debunks the idea that aging inevitably brings infirmity and unhappiness and instead offers a trove of practical, evidence-based guidance for living longer and better.” 

Like many of us, I have the ability to walk into a room only to wonder why, or open the refrigerator door and just stare. Within a few minutes of listening to this book, I learned that this is normal and routine as we age and not necessarily indicative of any dark, foreboding illness. 

Part of what explains this is a general neurological turn inward. Apparently, every decade after our 40th birthday, our brains spend more time contemplating our own thoughts. 

Those of us who have taught children and young people know that the smallest distraction can derail them. This is because their brains are “wired” to react to stimuli; but, as we age, our brains become more focused on inner processes. So, as we grow older, we become more easily lost in our own thoughts.

This new understanding also can relate to our faith. We know that habits – repeated activities – “rewire” neural pathways. Decades ago, I decided that I should develop new versions of everyday activities such as putting on socks and shoes or writing and eating with either hand to give my brain different pathways to accomplish simple tasks should one pathway close.

Our brains rewire themselves to perform expected tasks no matter what your age. This explains both why “practice makes perfect” when it comes to piano playing and why habits, such as late-night snacking or biting your nails, are so difficult to break. Our brains are designed to default. Repetitive behaviors reinforce themselves. New ones are harder to adopt, but it’s worth the effort.

But, of course, that’s been the teaching of the Church for centuries. Our moral habits matter more than single actions because, for better or worse, they reinforce themselves. In the fourth century, St. Augustine of Hippo taught that our first decision to sin is quite free, but each time we return to the same sin, our freedom decreases. Hence the need to be vigilant in the formation of any habit, virtuous or sinful. 

If you memorized the older Act of Contrition, you are familiar with its concluding promise: “I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.” The only way to douse the fire of a bad moral habit is to take away its tinder. Become more aware of the little decisions that can lead to bigger problems.

The prophet Sirach tells us that before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him. (15:17) At issue is that we seldom choose, once and for all. Rather, too often, we fail to see that even our small choices have ways of reinforcing themselves. One might say that we are wired to set ourselves in stone. 

Good behaviors also reinforce themselves. A kindled fire will grow. It all begins with the new spark that we call grace. To quote St. Matthew, “I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11)

May spring provide you with opportunities to step back and reflect on your life and your small decisions. May all your choices bring you closer to the grace of God, and may your habits honor Him.

Consider joining us for the annual diocesan Senior Citizen Day Mass and luncheon. It will be at Columbus St. Catharine Church, 500 S. Gould Road, on Tuesday, June 27 beginning at 10:30 a.m.  To register, go to https://dioceseofcolumbus.org/social-concerns-online-payments.