If you want to understand the difference between government and service to the Church, just look at retirement.
I know, it seems like an odd thing to bring up. But I’m in Rome for meetings this week and it struck me that lots of Church leaders are, well, pretty old. (Yes, I know, I’m no spring chicken – but lots of these guys are REALLY old.) But they don’t appear to be fading away or slowing down (too much).
By contrast, I live in the confused State of Illinois, which is plunging into insolvency while state employees retire at age 60 on a full (and generous) pension. And while I’m sure that many state employees are wonderful people who have worked hard and served the people of the Land of Lincoln, the difference between expectations is sharp. Continue reading