Saturday, June 13, 2015

To What Ends?

How many there are who seek Jesus, only to gain some temporary benefit. One man has a matter of business, in which he wants the assistance of the clergy; another is oppressed by a more powerful neighbor, and flies to the Church for refuge. Jesus is scarcely ever sought for Jesus' sake.

- St. Augustine

Writing on her conversion to the Church, Rachel Lu writes at Crisis:

Of course there are no guarantees. Worldly joys are all ephemeral, and the next ten years might be much grimmer.

In this insightful essay, Lu explains well the challenges of trying to understand and articulate why it is we first seek spiritual fulfillment in the Church. Our first powerful encounters are diverse--Augustine's heart stirred to longing by heavenly hymns, or perhaps a profound respect for the authority of the Church's teachings.

But to what end does our effort lead? What do we seek as profit from our devotion? As Lu writes, there are no guarantees; worldly joys are fleeting. But how to seek the lasting, spiritual joys?

Above, Augustine reminds us how to direct our thoughts in order to achieve true spiritual progress toward the everlasting: seek the Lord for the Lord's sake alone. The Imitation of Christ echoes: "Let all things be loved for Jesus, but Jesus for his own sake."

The writings of the Saints suggest that this unselfish form of prayer, which seeks no gain, is necessary if we seek the "life eternal" (Augustine). There is still reward to this path: "This is the highest reward, you shall not only be made useful to others, but shall make yourself to have peace" (St. John Chrysostom).

This teaching, like many, is a significant challenge, despite its simplicity.

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