Dear Divine Ma,
What Do You Want Me to Learn Today?
I finally had a deep confirmation of the insufficiency of riches to the lasting happiness and contentment of human beings. The man whose family had owned and operated, since 1938, the best-situated dining establishment in all of Assisi—having the most expansive view of the most famous cathedral in this sacred town—had a long chat with us in our favorite breakfast and gelato spot. At one point, after hearing he had “retired” at age 44, Lahari asked him if now that he had all the money and all the time he ever needed, did he ever get bored? He said dryly, “Assisi is a very boring city.” He still deeply grieves his 67-year-old papa’s passing—it had happened 8 years previously. And he had given up working for either the restaurant, the theatre, or the historic palace all of which he and his family still owned in the city. But none of it any longer had any interest for him. He was handsome, healthy, fabulously wealthy, and still young enough to have lots of years of vibrant life left. But alas, he had given up of life ever giving him joy again. It was obvious—at least to us—that the only thing missing was a focused sense of purpose. Oh Master, Divine Mother, never let me lose sight of a higher purpose, in You!