What Are the Important Things in Life?

The writer of the desk column in the Catholic Times this week mentions that although he likes to drink with friends, the singing was not of any interest --until recently. Now, as a member of the parish council, he goes with them to the 'song rooms' (karaoke) and feels disappointed when they do not pass him the microphone.

The song he enjoys singing is "Essay and Car." It refers back to the time in  life when we could become emotionally involved by seeing a good movie and could also desire to be like the good hero in the cartoon world. However, today we want to know what car he drives and where he lives; we have lost our dreams, losing not only the small things but as the years go by, also the important things in life. The song allows us, the writer believes, to ponder this crucial matter.

He goes on to reflect on the opportunities the older generation misses when confronting the difficulties of life, retreating as the years go by to a careful, less challenging way.  Although young people taking " big step on thin ice" do not see the dangers, they  learn a great deal in the process. And because of their innocence can sacrifice and risk loss repeatedly. This is, he believes, the real beauty of youth.

Those of us with faith also have to become young. We need the courage of youthful thinking and feeling to walk on thin ice. Isn't this what Jesus was asking of Peter in Matthew 14:29?

As we age, we should not lose what we considered important when we were young. Our inner lives can be tarnished with the difficulties we have met along the way, but if it is only the material things in life that interest us and we are overcome with these difficulties, the Holy Spirit will not be able to work in our hearts.

The writer concludes his column by referring to his own experience of the sentiments expressed in the song. Riding his bicycle to work for the past 5 months (a 25 mile round trip), he found that his health had improved but he also missed the reading he could do if he had taken the bus to work.  Food for the inner life, as the title of the song seems to suggest, and the writer wants us to ponder, is more important than the kind of car, or any material good, the other person has or I should have. They are not the kind of dream that gives life.