A Parable about Desire

Jared Witt   |   February 4, 2021

​A monk and his novice sat on a bench enjoying the morning. Along came a young man who, in his rush, tripped over the monk’s robe.
 
“Easy there, young man,” said the monk. “Where are you off to with such haste?”
 
The boy apologized and said, “I know a merchant who is taking on an assistant. I must find him before he hires someone else.”
 
“Is that what you desire?”

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​The young man scrutinized the monk a moment. “Surely, you know, father, that merchants have entire companies of people who follow their beck and call. They tell this one ‘Go here,’ and that one ‘Go there.’”
 
“Is that what you desire?”
 
“Father, merchants get to travel the world over. Anywhere they can turn a deal is theirs to explore.”
 
“Is that what you desire?”
 
“Is that what I…?” the boy guffawed. “Father, there is no limit to the wealth that a successful merchant can attain. I’d never want for anything. If it’s charity that concerns you, I could give plenty away to the poor, besides. Far more than I could were I living on alms, myself. Surely you don’t think I should just live on the streets a beggar all my life.”
 
 The monk smiled pleasantly, “I think you should pursue whatever you desire.”
 
“Then if you don’t mind, I’ll be on my way.”
 
As the young man disappeared into the bustle of the streets, the novice looked distressed. “Father, forgive me, but why would you counsel that boy to go pursue worldly riches? We should’ve been encouraging him to Christ’s way of voluntarily poverty.”
 
“I didn’t tell that boy to pursue worldly riches. I told him to pursue whatever he desires.”
 
“But clearly he took that to mean he should go try to become wealthy. Is it not just as much a pitfall to lead a soul astray in result, if not in intention? Forgive me, Father, but I worry for that boy. I pray his interview with that merchant comes to naught, and we might have second chance with him.”
 
The monk was unbothered. “Even better if he succeeds. Perhaps he will become wealthy beyond his wildest dreams. Perhaps then he will be able to answer my simple question as to whether that’s what he wants.”

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Cheers and Peace,

Jared