Hopes and Dreams

“Some seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge: that is curiosity. Others seek knowledge that they may themselves be known: That is vanity. But there are still others who seek knowledge in order to serve and edify others, and that is charity.” St. Bernard of Clairvaux

We hosted an international student this past summer who taught us a lot. This person was intelligent and kind – two important qualities in my mind. The young can be so curious about new experiences and new opportunities while some of us sometimes get stuck in our lives. For me, sometimes, I would resist change to avoid a risk. Not so with this person we had hosted. He was a mover. Once he returned home, I decided to make some changes in my life. I began looking for some new opportunities. I started to play the guitar again, I began to explore new classes I could take to improve myself. It was all worth it because now that I look at how many things are unfolding, I am more optimistic as a result.

“Earthly riches are like reeds. Its roots are sunk in the swamp and its exterior is fair to behold but inside, it is hollow. If a man leans on such a reed, it will snap off and pierce his soul.” St. Anthony of Padua

It is precisely in these moments that I move to reflection. I want to be curious about what is available to me, but I cannot begin until I am firmly rooted in Christ. I need an anchor and that can only be Christ. For me, it would be a futile search for endless happiness if I did not have Him. Today, at mass, I read about St. Jerome. He did so many great things to be named a doctor of the Church. His work on the Latin Vulgate influenced the Church for centuries. He must have been so curious to search and sift through volumes of work to find the correct translation. His dedication to Scripture left a lasting impact. His later life was a quiet one with Christ.

It is our part to seek, His to grant what we ask; ours to make a beginning, His to bring it to completion; ours to offer what we can, His to finish what we cannot. St. Jerome

It would be easy to not begin something new. I am just finishing my master’s and it was difficult to get started. We live our lives full of great intentions. We dream of doing so many things yet sometimes we might not accomplish very much. In the end, I return to the saints and try to emulate the way they lived their lives. We have projects that we want to complete, and we have methods in our minds in the way we want them completed. However, it is Christ who brings them to fulfillment. Sometimes our efforts are futile but, I would submit that we may not have based our efforts on Christ. Without Him, we are nothing.

“There is nothing we can desire or want that we do NOT find in God.” St Catherine of Siena