Author Archives: wonderingpilgrim

“When I’m 104”

If Paul McCartney was writing the lyrics now, this might be the title. Sixty-four today is young by any standard. So I tackle Sr Joan Chittister’s reflection on “Ageism” in her book The Gift of Years with some diffidence. In my mid-seventies, I can’t say that I have yet experienced to a noticeable degree theContinue reading ““When I’m 104””

G’Day Fear – My Old Friend

I happily belong to a suite of personality styles that have developed lifelong strategies against focusing on fear as their constant background noise. Hence, when Joan Chittister identifies fear as a theme that confronts the adventure of ageing, I am in familiar territory. The experience of a diminishment of mental, physical and financial capacity isContinue reading “G’Day Fear – My Old Friend”

Does Purpose Equal Meaning?

Joan Chichester explores the theme of meaning in the Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully. From my early days, I’ve had what I now regard as a healthy suspicion of the utilitarian spirit that pervades Western society – the mindset that says things only have value for what material worth they can add. Childhood thusContinue reading “Does Purpose Equal Meaning?”

Non, je ne regrette rien

Edith Piaf’s famous song is absolute – no regrets for any past choice or event whether good or bad! All can be laid aside as if they never occurred. (Follow the link to her song and its description.) When Joan Chittister writes about coming to terms with Regret as a feature of ageing, she hasContinue reading “Non, je ne regrette rien”

The Gift of Ageing

Recently, one of my peer groups pointed out a book by Sr Joan Chittister, The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully. We agreed to review it and share our thoughts on how it might inform our work in the spiritual companionship of older people. As someone who is rapidly drifting into the “older” category myselfContinue reading “The Gift of Ageing”

Simian Standoff

Going down Murray MallAll gangly limbed and freckledSurrounded by his matesHe shambled apelike towards usArms akimbo, legs bentFixing me with hostile stareOozing testosterone with a simian quest for dominationI met his gaze with a closed mouth smileBorrowed from Paul HoganAs if to say, “You call that a threat?” He dropped his head and skirted aroundContinue reading “Simian Standoff”

When Perfect Ain’t Good Enough

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls on his listeners to “be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Some early Christian thought, however, was swimming in thick Greek philosophical soup, which understood “perfection” after the manner of Plato – there is a perfect idea of which the things of this world, includingContinue reading “When Perfect Ain’t Good Enough”

Easter Memoirs: Easter Sunday

Any time after Saturday’s sunset, minds and rites have turned towards marking the Resurrection, the final act of the Easter Triduum. Whether it’s a watch service around a bonfire, a joyful lighting of the Holy Fire at midnight, a gathering on a lake shore to watch a sunrise or the bells and whistles of aContinue reading “Easter Memoirs: Easter Sunday”

Easter Memoirs: Holy Saturday

The second day of the Triduum. Nothing much happens. It is the Sabbath when all work ceases. Before Friday’s sunset, the body of Jesus has been hurriedly removed and laid in a borrowed tomb. No anointing or dressing can take place until after Saturday’s sunset, although the practical light of Sunday’s dawn suggests a moreContinue reading “Easter Memoirs: Holy Saturday”