It is interesting in this context to note that the ancient Egyptians used to mummify their dead, soaking dead bodies in formaldehyde so as somehow to keep them intact forever. As an image, this is the antithesis of the paschal mystery. The Christian idea is to let go, to let nature take its course, to trust that the God who once gave life will now give it in an even deeper way. If I am seventy, but trying, through every technique and cosmetic known, to preserve my youth, I am in my own way attempting to mummify my body.
Striving to maintain youth is like trying to mummify our bodies
