Article by Phoenix writer Kevin Kirley ’25:
Walking into St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre on Sunday, September 24 was a cathartic experience. I didn’t expect the church to be as full as it was: there were dozens of families, Moms bringing their kids from a soccer game, filling up the pews of this sacred place. An old couple sitting together holding hands. Looking around, it registered to me that this wasn’t a one time thing for any of these people. Going to Mass was a staple in all of their busy weeks. They gave up time to be here, choosing to evolve their faith and grow closer to God.
Selfishness is a plague that infects society every day. It is to choose yourself over others- to be overly concerned with one’s own personal pleasure. It is almost inherent to all of us. We’re taught from an early age to prioritize our own success and desires, often at the expense of others. Personally, selfishness takes root in me everyday, and has been a struggle for me my whole life.
I don’t go to church as often as I should, and while I like to tell myself it’s because I simply don’t have the time, deep down, I know the real reason is that I don’t “make” the time. I fail to make the effort to God every Sunday, and instead let my own desires take precedence. I feed my selfish mind by not going to Church. I choose myself over God by telling myself that I have better things to do. Those thoughts are the exact meaning of being selfish–putting my own needs before the commitment I owe to God.
I listened intently to the priest’s homily. He started it off by introducing us to a place where
people’s selfish desires come out in the most aggressive ways–on the road. The priest told us a story of how he was stuck on the Southern State Parkway going 30 MPH because his car was malfunctioning, and there were no exits in sight. People, consumed by their own impatience and frustration, hurled insults and laid on their horns, as if his misfortune was a personal attack to them.
Yet, for a small group of drivers, there was a striking contrast. Instead of aggression, they showed compassion. How people respond to someone else’s misfortune is a clear indicator if the person is selfless or selfish.
Selfishness is easy; it comes naturally to all of us. On the other side, selflessness is harder– it takes effort, commitment, and hard work. And the truth is, selfish ambition will get someone further in life than someone who’s selfless every time. But the question remains– at what cost? It’s what we give up spiritually and morally that makes it truly not worth it.
Going to Mass by myself on September 24 changed my outlook on the world. Seeing all those people who make the time made me look at myself in a different light. I realized the only difference between me and the people at that Mass is that they make the effort, and I don’t. That realization became a turning point. Now, I no longer tell myself I’m too busy. I make the time, because I understand the value of what I’m giving up when I don’t.
