Something does not need to be lost in order to be classified as “misplaced.” We typically think of those two words as synonymous; however, there is a difference. If something is lost, it means that we are having trouble locating it. If something is misplaced, it simply means it is in the wrong place such as a, misplaced comma in a sentence (such as the one I inserted in this sentence). It is with this understanding that we can talk about misplaced desires. A misplaced desire is not a “lost” desire but rather a desire that is “in the wrong place.” St. Ignatius teaches us that our desires are not bad and that we should pay attention to them, because sometimes we misplace them. The Ninth Commandment, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife,” is about misplaced desires and is the focus of this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis.
For more information about desires and the Ninth Commandment, check out the following links:
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