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Temptation

Recently a friend in the U.S. tempted us: she offered us the choice of an iPad or a donation towards whatever the community needs. Now I wouldn't describe the community here as geekish, but if Apple ever requires a salesforce with a nice variation on the black teeshirt, I think the Benedictines of Hendred in their uber-cool habits would be near the top of the list. We have used Apple products for years, love the elegance of their design and appreciate the fact that they do what we want them to do. They are also beyond our budget, so we only buy when we absolutely have to and then with much calculating of pennies and ha-pence. There was therefore a strong pull towards saying "yes". Digitalnun was having difficulty keeping up with computer-related tasks and Quietnun was tearing her wimple over the shortcomings of her Windows computer, so we could "justify" the acquisition. And we had watched the video on the Apple web site. Fatal!

Why, in the end, did we say "no" and ask for the donation instead? First, because we prayed. Before making a decision we asked our friend for time to think about our response. During that time we spent about an hour discussing the pros and cons (mainly the pros, let's be honest), then spent the next couple of days not thinking about the question, just commending it to the Lord. When we met again to make a decision, it was clear that we had reached a common mind. Yes, we'd love to have an iPad, but for us it would be a luxury. We can do what we need to do, as distinct from what we'd like to do, with what we have. Secondly, we are conscious of the needs of others: how can we amass superfluities when others lack necessities? Only yesterday someone came to our door asking for a meal and some money to get through a lean time. The meal was offered, of course (we do not give money). No matter how bad a press the Catholic Church is getting at the moment, people know that there will always be a welcome and help at our doors. That means we need the wherewithal to offer help; and the generosity of our friend in the States plays its part in making that possible.

Today the world will be remembering the events of 9/11 and we shall be praying for those who died, those who lost loved ones, all who have been touched by the tragedy. We shall also be praying for a maverick pastor in Florida who has been reckless, to say the least. It would be another tragedy if his meanness of spirit were to be remembered instead of the generosity of the American people, if his foolishness were to lead to more deaths. Pray that he too may avoid temptation.