We live in a culture that idealises youth and marginalises the old. And, as the psychologist James Hillman says, the old don’t let go easily either of the throne or the drive that took them there. I know; I’m ageing.
For most of my life, I’ve been able to think of myself as young. Because I was born late in the year, October, I was always younger than most of my classmates. I graduated from high school at 17, entered the seminary at that tender age and was ordained to the priesthood at 25. I did an advanced degree within the next year, and was teaching graduate theology at 26, the youngest member on the faculty.
