Things I Desire Most

Things I Desire Most

Several years ago I wrote a short story titled “The Door” about a seminarian on a summer assignment.  After working in his assignment at an upscale parish, with nothing but wealthy parishioners and big cars, he wondered what it would be like to enjoy owning a large business, handling large amounts of money, or being a prestigious person with everyone looking up to him.  The crux of the story ended with a surprising but necessary answer to these questions.

During Lent each of us may struggle with what should I give up or make a sacrifice to remind us of what the reason for sacrifice has to do with my soul.  We may spend time attending Stations of the Cross, trying to attend Mass more often, avoiding those moments of temptation which can absorb our desire to pray more, or just read about saints who struggled with the same obstacles towards faith.

The one lesson our young seminarian learned was to own a business like the one he became involved with during his summer assignment is not all it appears to be.  There are many hours of sleepless nights when labor issues, or product efficiency become foremost and takes up many hours of unrest.  

Yes, in business there are large amounts of money, but many sums can pass through your hands due to unforeseen events that make the ownership unpleasant at times.

His one desire was the prestige that even poor people seek.  The honor of being called Mr. instead of hey you, or having people acknowledge you as an important fixture in society that everyone bows to when necessary decisions are required.  These are dreams that hard work, a good education, and some luck as well will produce for many on that path.

Thinking about some from the past, their success came about without these attributes.  Not many would choose their journey since they had no business skills, money was of little need in their lifestyle, and prestige, well that only came after their life was over here.  One is St. Francis of Assisi.  He came from a family of wealth, and perhaps in those days prestige as well.  Francis gave all of that up.  He was called by God and left a legacy that parallels the life of Christ; poverty of wealth but a treasure worth more than talents.  Forgoing those attributes of luxury is a decision in itself.  Not all can live without it; it takes something very spiritual.    

Perhaps, this Lent and the Easter Triduum only a few weeks away will give us an opportunity to rethink what is really important to any of us.  Our seminarian was given that choice.

Ralph B. Hathaway, Make the choice that means the most.