Instant gratification

There is an increasing tendency in today’s world to seek (if not demand) instant gratification: I want what I want NOW.

Life, of course, does not always provide instant gratification and so people seek gratification artificially through drugs, alcohol, or selfish pleasure.

Such gratification may feel good in the short term but is always empty and very often destructive.

Today’s readings give us a very different perspective.

Indeed, in the Gospel (Luke 17:5-10), our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gives us what seems the exact opposite of instant gratification or of an entitlement mentality.

When you have done all you have been commanded,
say, 'We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.'

And in the first reading (Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4), God reminds us that even through not everything happens in the way or at the time we want it, his salvation is certain, no matter how much we may need to wait.

For the vision still has its time,
presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint;
if it delays, wait for it,
it will surely come, it will not be late.
The rash one has no integrity;
but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.

And in the second reading (Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14), St. Paul encourages us to “bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.”

May God give us the grace to turn away from the slippery and deadly path of instant gratification and to remain faithful on the Lord’s path, which may sometimes seem too long, too hard, or too unrewarding, but is certain to bring us to everlasting and infinite happiness.