But, death is a more insistent reality for you. In the twilight of your lives, you can think back on all those loved ones whom you have seen pass from this life. You have seen more of death and of human suffering than those who are younger. You know this far better than those who have lived less long. Excuse me, but I would argue that it is precisely the correct issue for this occasion.
Age begets wisdom.
And the wisdom which is the prerogative of the senior citizen arises from his appreciation of the temporality of things, his keen knowledge of mortality. Knowing that we have no firm hold on life in this world, those who have achieved advanced age see everything in this life with a keener vision, a more exacting appreciation of reality. Not too long ago, I told my parents, who are seventy-five, that I would have the privilege of preaching the sermon for this occasion. You think about being separated from those you love. You think, too, of what your life has meant.