desires - 32nd week tuesday 2014

Somebody once said, "The more I say 'No' to myself, the more I say 'Yes' to the Holy Spirit."  This is what St. Paul has been saying in many of his letters, written in different ways but always expressing the same sense.  In Galatians he talked about crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires, and to go against the desires of the flesh.  In Ephesians he wrote about the old self deteriorating because of desires.  Turning to Titus he gave the same entreaty saying, “reject godless ways and worldly desires.”

Why is St. Paul so concerned about our desires?  A Philosopher by the name of Thomas Hobbes said that human desire is the fundamental motivation of human action.  It is our desire that moves us to act, it is our desire that makes us decide how to act, it is our desire that makes us decide what to do.

Many times our desires, when these are not tempered by reason can become an obsession.  Our desires can enslave us, and they can be destructive.  Be aware as to what is enslaving you.  These can be things; it can be reputation; the desire to please others can be a compulsion that can many times leave us angry and embittered; the race for high grades and the competition for honors can leave us exhausted.  Parents be aware of what you desire for your children.  I have seen children enslaved by the desires of their parents.  Paul said, let us not be enslaved by worldly desires.