Reflections of a Wandering Mind

The first reaction to truth is hatred. ~Tertullian It's amazing how much a simple statement can inspire thought and reflection. Tertullian, an ecclesiastical writer of the 1st and 2nd century, is, of course, writing about moral truths, and nothing causes man such reaction of resistance than a moral truth. The natural human condition is one of self-indulgence. We naturally desire things that delight the senses. Only through reasoning and intellect are we able to temper these desires, a skill unique to mankind as all other creatures of the earth are driven by pure instinct. Sadly, so many ignore their consciences within and proceed to indulge in wanton fulfillment of desires in the name of freedom and rights. God is like a parent who only wants for his children the best. He wants us to enjoy the paradise of Heaven. For the good of all mankind, he has provided us a means of living, and like children, we resist because it involves temperance of ones desires. Desires so strong that

If you were all alone in the universe with no one to talk to, no one with which to share the beauty of the stars, to laugh with, to touch, what would be your purpose in life? It is other life, it is love, which gives your life meaning. This is harmony. We must discover the joy of each other, the joy of challenge, the joy of growth. ~ Mitsugi Saotome These past two days, I've been thinking about people and relationships. Everybody wants to be needed and loved. Sometimes this desire deep within everyone manifests itself in destructive behavior. Often, people fulfill this longing by continuing relationships that will only serve to make them unhappy. Why do we stick with relationships that are clearly no good? Why do we think we can change anyone who doesn’t even think they have a reason to change? Why do we keep trying, thinking it will get better? Why do we allow ourselves to be disrespected emotionally or physically? The one reason is this: our view of ourselves. If someone dis

It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows. ~ Epictetus Pride...like all things can be beneficial, but misused can be downright destructive. I'm proud of my grandson counting to ten in his little person voice as he counts his steps, his toys, the monkeys in his book, etc. I'm proud when I finish a course and receive an A. But what about my pride when someone offends me? Do I have the right to be offended and prideful? Do I allow pride to stand in the way of truth and edification? If I place myself above all in everything, then pride serves no purpose but to make me look foolish, close my mind, and drive others away. Have you ever dealt with someone who goes on the defensive immediately upon hearing something they do not like? I think everyone has, and it's so frustrating not to be able to penetrate their jabber. They don't allow you to get a word in edgewise. Often they assume things incorrectly and open their mouths every time you start to

Tell me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers, and things are not what they seem. Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art; to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I’ve been thinking about my mortality lately. It pops up at the oddest of times, just out of the blue. I’m in my 50s and I’ve pretty much lived my life for others, but in a selfish way. I gained attention, praise or comfort for my sacrificial actions. Well, sometimes I didn’t, but the motivation was the same, regardless of the outcome. So on this journey I begin today I want to leave my temporal desires a distant second to a growing spirituality. I want to grow in communion with God because I don’t really know him. I feel him, definitely, but I don’t really know him. Today is Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010, and I went to church. The sermon was enjoyable because the priest “called out” all of us cafete