Thirty Third of Year A - Commitment & Self - Fulfillment
November 2008
For some twenty or thirty years now, our society seems to have a problem reconciling modern ideas about self fulfillment with the need for commitment.
Feeling fulfilled or unfulfilled has become the be all and end all of life for many people. ‘You owe it to yourself’ and ‘you’re worth it’ have become the touchstone for right and wrong.
The great number of divorces and abortions, the ease with which one can free oneself from contracts, commitments and obligations, based on ones presumed right to self fulfillment and to achieve ones full human potential are a direct consequence of this attitude of mind.
Everything of value must involve commitment.
Marriage involves total commitment.
Getting pregnant involves total commitment.
Rearing children involves total commitment.
Becoming qualified and competent in any profession, trade or skill involves total commitment.
Becoming a Christian involves total commitment.
Whether one feels fulfilled or not fulfilled at certain times or in certain places is largely irrelevant.
Of course feeling fulfilled at least some of the time is important.
Of course seeking self fulfillment in ones chosen way of life is important but it must always operate within the boundaries of ones original commitment.
Actually people who stand by their commitments will find that their loyalty has in fact led them to a level of self fulfillment and self knowledge which is away above and beyond their expectations.
True. Marriage, being pregnant, rearing children, becoming qualified and competent in a profession or trade, being a Christian, etc. will seem to cramp your style and will involve a lot of self sacrifice but it will also bring maturity as a human being and a great sense of fulfillment.