Desire

Thursday, November 13, 2008 -- Week of Proper 27

Today's Reading for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 993)
Psalms [83], or 23, 27 (morning) 85, 86 (evening)
Joel 2:21-27
James 1:1-15
Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

"...one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death." (James:1:14-15)

Some have said that distorted desire is the root of all evil. Since money is the currency that empowers us to buy so many of our desires, the thought is not too far from 1 Timothy's assertion that "love of money is the root of all evil." James' examination of desire seems to communicate something basic. It starts with the enticement and lure of temptation. Our desire connects with the temptation. "When that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death."

Luke illustrates the maxim beautifully with Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son. A younger son is enticed by the power and entertainment that he anticipates from his eventual inheritance. ("...one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it.") In violation of custom and convention, he asks his father for his inheritance now. In the eyes of that culture, his request is like saying to his father, "Drop dead." ("...when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin...") The father consents, and the younger son leaves for a distant country where "he squandered his property in dissolute living" and ends up feeding the pigs. ("...sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.") For Jews, a pig is an unclean animal. This failed young man is starving. "He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating."

Now the story shows us the way home.

The young man comes to himself, the text says, and reasons that he would be better off as one of his father's hired hands. As he practices his speech to his father, it is a mixed confession. He sounds a note of contrition, "I am no longer worthy...", but he is also pretty desperate.

He doesn't need the speech. When the father sees him from far off, the father runs to him. (Picture a noble aristocrat clothed in a long robe made for leisurely movement, his clothing flying indelicately as he runs shamelessly toward the beloved prodigal.) He clothes the son with his best robe and gives him a ring, probably the seal that conveys the power to negotiate and enter into legal agreements. There will be an extravagant feast. No scolding. No punishment. No demotion in status.

From the perspective of the obedient elder son, no justice. He refuses to join the celebration. Out of his own sense of self-dignity, he exiles himself from the party. He is too good to participate in such things. What is his desire? Maybe he wants a certain status and dignity. He has been obedient and believes he is due something. Ironically, his desire is for what he already has been given, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours," the father tells him. But he is unable to join in the rejoicing. Maybe he desires justice -- the punishment of those who do wrong. His desire gives birth to sin, and he exiles himself from the feast that is always his and from the intimacy of his loving father.

The story ends on an ironic note. The good, obedient son is left outside, estranged. The wanton, wasteful sinner is inside feasting with the father.

Which son am I? Which son are you? Maybe a little of both.

What desires are conceiving birth and drawing us toward death? Wisdom traditions tell us to quench our desires, that is the path toward enlightenment and peace, they say. Can we stop the deadly process at conception? What would it mean to let go of desire?

What if the younger son had let go of his desire for power and entertainment? What if the elder had let go of his desire to be right and to be so recognized? Well, we wouldn't have this great story, would we?

Lowell

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About Morning Reflections
Morning Reflections is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

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The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

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worship weekly
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Lowell Grisham, Rector

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas