Working for Fulfillment

Because you... have not asked for yourself long life nor riches

nor the life of your enemies, but have asked

for yourself understanding to perceive justice;

behold, I have done according to your word...

I give you also what you did not ask,

both riches and honor, so that, all your days,

there shall not be any like you among the kings.

(1 Kings 3:1-13)

To work for fulfillment

in religious life

is much like trying

to catch up with one's own shadow;

each step towards it

makes it recede

by just that much.

Fulfillment

must come

as God's free gift,

It cannot be earned,

programmed,

demanded.