Treasure in jars of clay: The promise of weakness as point of contact between the generations

In churches, as well as society, we have become used to separating the generations; youth and age have little in common, so we are told. This article argues for commonality of vulnerability and weakness between young and old, and explores ways of connecting young and old together. The two authors, one in youth ministry, the other in ageing ministry, bring their knowledge of youth ministry and ageing to the dialogue. The common starting point for the dialogue is St. Paul's image of treasure in jars of clay. It is argued that this image can equally be applied to both young and old. It is argued that young and old people need each other, for learning, spiritual growth, and support, one for the other. Issues of meaning, materialism, isolation, weakness, and vulnerability form parts of the dialogue. Suggestions arising from St. Paul's image of treasure in jars of clay are made for making connections between the generations.