Comparison the Death of Joy

My Dear Brethren,  

Last Monday, I was driving to Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Seattle for Fr Bill Lane's funeral.  On the way there, I was listening to the classical music station on the radio.

They were playing a violin concerto by Brahms.  When the piece was over, the radio announcer commented that Brahms was often compared to the great Beethoven during his lifetime.  In other words he was never as good as Beethoven.  But there can only be one Beethoven just as there can only be one Brahms.  

The radio announcer recited this quote: "comparison is the death of joy."  

It's true in many cultures, and in our society.  Parents may say to their child: "why can't you be like so and so."  By doing thus, they steal their joy away from their children.  And vice versa.  

A similar thing can happen among spouses or dear friends.  Why can't you be like this person or that person?  It's an immediate kill joy.  

Somehow, making comparison is naturally inherent in us or ingrained in us during our youth.  In addition, there is the tendency to compare ourselves to others.  The grass looks greener on the other side.  It's just an illusion.  

This can be dangerous for the soul.  Comparison brings death to joy.  It makes us blind to uniqueness.  And the soul doesn't see itself as one of God's beloved.

St Luke tells us the story about a unique individual named Zacchaeus.  Compared to others, Zacchaeus was short in stature.  Compared to others, he was wealthy and had everything.  Compared to others, he was a traitor to his own people.  He was a sinner and not to be in his company.  Zacchaeus did something so unique: he climb a sycamore tree just so he could see Christ.  Christ saw how unique this is.  He stopped and said to Zacchaeus: "come down quickly for today I must stay at your house."  The Lord affirmed Zacchaeus and said: "this man too is a descendant of Abraham."

Christ doesn't grumble like the rest of the crowd.  He saw uniqueness in Zacchaeus and he brings great joy.  

If comparison is the death of joy, then don't do it to yourself or to others.  Bite your tongue when tempted.  God created everyone unique with a divine purpose.  And God loves you!