Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 281 – Renunciation

I have been reading Ron Rolheiser, a favourite teacher of mine. His thoughts apply to the sanctified (saintly) calling in your business or vocation.  

Ron quotes Søren Kierkegaard,  “To be a saint is to will the one thing.” He then draws on Thomas Aquinas who said, “every choice is a renunciation.” Ron continues, “We have to make choices, accept the painful renunciations inside those choices and will the one thing: God and faithful service of others”.  When one gets Søren, Thomas and Ron in the batting order, we’d best sit up and take notice. 

You have made the painful choice of renouncing greed, quick fixes, and shoddy workmanship. Ripping off the scales of avarice is painful. Yet the balm of truth, purity and seeking after beauty does bring relief. Still, I find it takes repeated applications of this medicine before our skin begins to take on a saintly glow. 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8

I find the English word for being a student of Jesus—disciple—a bit vague and even somewhat pretentious. I prefer the Dutch word ‘leerlingen’ which translates directly to learner. Sainthood is a journey, a walk with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. As you pick up blisters of renunciation along the way, may Jesus apply the plaster of salvation.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, teach me to will the one thing—You. When choices are hard and renunciation painful, help me to find peace in serving You and others. Strip away my greed and pride, and clothe me again in truth, beauty, and love. As I walk the road of learning with You, apply Your healing grace to every blistered place.

Amen