Perspective

St. Brendan gives us a sobering thought as we are enjoying the early blossoms and the soft warm breezes of Spring: "I bear witness before the King of the stars that the things of this world are no more to me than the sand of the sea or leaves of the wind." What are "the things of this world?" Are they what give us short-term results--power, fame, fortune, things? Are they the items I accrue to add to my sense of self-importance: Titles, high salaries, designer, name-brand clothing? Cars? St. Brendan had less of a list to work off than we do, but nevertheless, the tendency to misplace priorities, values and importance was as true in sixth century Ireland as it is today. It is part of human nature, "wounded" human nature. Our Lenten reflections and sacrifices can help us restore proper perspective, and help us relinquish the attachments that have grown out of proportion. As we go about the day surrounded by our "stuff", material and immaterial, perhaps we can take inventory and like businesses do, discard those items which are simply taking up space and preventing us from access to those which are useful and helpful to us in achieving the purpose of our life. We certainly don't like dragging extra sand into our houses, nor do we enjoy raking up the leaves that once so gracefully fell from the trees. Everything has its place, but too much of anything gets in the way.
Bro. Rene