St Stan Illustrated Story

H e was now 23, a mature man with an understanding of the es- sential meaning of life, and ready, in making the fateful de- cision as to his future, to respond wholeheartedly to the Divine Call. To a young man, even of peasant stock, who had received John’s education, the road was open to a number of high positions in life and administration of the city, or in the courts of the aristocracy and nobility. John’s intentions, however, were far removed from any such career. Before doing anything else, though, he wanted to see his mother in Podegrodzie. His father had died a couple of years before John completed his schooling. There were, then, several reasons for him to return home: To pray at the grave of his father, to console his mother, and to thank her for making his education possible at no small sacrifice to herself and the family, particularly after his father’s death. And what was certainly the most compelling reason of all – his mother was anxious to see him! H is family, of course, received him with open arms, and he remained with them for some time. It was generally understood by his neighbors, friends, and relatives that he would soon take a position in some city or court nearby and then think seriously of marrying and settling down. In fact, they even went so far as to urge on him a certain local girl – pretty, of good character and from a well-to-do family. To the amazement of all, John firmly resisted all such attractive propositions. He was being drawn by another, more sublime ideal in life. During his stay at home, he kept to himself, avoiding worldly attractions and amusements. He ate sparingly and, instead of amusing company, sought solitude and gave himself up to frequent prayer. He found great delight in the contemplation of heavenly truths, and it seemed to others that he was continuously absorbed in God. 39