Desire in and of itself is neither good nor bad.
It depends what we desire, and what we will do to fulfill our desires.
Though much ancient wisdom warns against desire, it is always selfish desire, or craving that is meant.
But to have noble desires shape our lives and guide our steps, like the desires voiced in the reading for today, is to travel a high and holy path which leads to a place, or consciousness, of beauty, peace, and joy.
The author of these words is Eusebius of Caesarea, who was born in the third century A.D.
We would do well to adopt his desires as our own!
May I be an enemy to no one and the friend of what abides eternally.
May I never quarrel with those nearest me,
and be reconciled quickly if I should.
May I never plot against others, and if anyone plots against me
may I escape unharmed and without the need to hurt anyone else.
May I love, seek, and attain only what is good.
May I desire happiness for all, and harbor envy for none.
May I never find joy in the misfortune of one who has wronged me.
May I never wait for the rebuke of others,
but be willing to rebuke myself until I make reparation.
My I gain no victory that harms me or my opponent.
May I reconcile friends who are angry with each other.
May I, insofar as I can, give all necessary help to my friends
and to all who are in need.
May I never fail a friend in trouble.
When visiting the grief-stricken,
may I be able to soften their pain with comforting words.
May I respect myself.
May I always maintain control of my passions.
May I habituate myself to be gentle,
and never be angry with others because of circumstances.
May I never discuss the wicked or what they have done,
but know good people, and follow in their footsteps.
My reflections:
These noble prayer-intentions by Eusebius are a guide I would like to follow.
In their light, I realize that my desires often leave a lot to be desired, as the saying goes!
I take comfort in believing that even though I may have failed to desire so wisely and well as Eusebius,
let alone actually accomplished those desires in my life, it is never too late to adopt desires like these,
and I can have the faith and the hope that I will be able to live up to them, by the Amazing Grace of God.
No comments:
Post a Comment