"Desires"

Today's Mass Readings

The story of the Samaritan woman in today's gospel readings is not the story of a woman who lives two thousand years ago. It is your story and mine. Who among does not desire acceptance. Who among us does not desire love? Who among us does not desire comfort? Who among us does not desire companionship? Who among us does not desire freedom from anxiety? All of us have desires and desires are God’s gift to us. Its what we do with them that is what is important. The Israelites in today’s first reading who began to grumble against Moses and God because they have no water. They were thirsty for water. Now, if they had any sense, they should know that the God who worked wonders and set them free, that the God who parted the Red sea, could also provide them with water. But they grumbled to such an extent that Moses was scared they would stone him. But then, that is nature of desires. Desires are good; but they can also be bad. People steal, lie, become corrupt to fulfil their desires. Some will even kill for what they want. And that is why in the Christian monastic tradition the monks they spent much time disciplining their bodily desire. They were taught to desire God alone.

God is the highest point of all desires. Our fast and abstinence should remind us of the fleeting nature of all desires. Desires are impermanent. Today we desire a Toyota, tomorrow we desire a Corvette. At the end of our life, everyone of our desires will pass away. Only one will remain – our desire for God. As St, Augustine, try wine, women and song to find happiness. At the end of it all he said, “Our hearts are thirsty for you O God, and they will not rest until they rest in thee.” Our giving up should constantly remind us of the end of our lives and the only thing we will have forever – God.

- Fr. Satish