As I sat in my office pondering what to write about this month, I turned on The Catholic Channel, a satellite radio station originating from the Archdiocese of New York. I thought listening to the programs might spark something that I could write about.

I listened, and listened, and listened (while I was busy with other tasks), but wasn’t stirred by anything in particular. Sure, there were some interesting topics, but I found the Catholic talk radio programs to be very similar to their secular counterparts: hosts who want  to lecture listeners with their own opinions as if they were fact or try to incite comments and outrage among listeners through the delivery of their message.

There were some bright spots that you wouldn’t find in secular radio: one host takes time out of his show every day to take prayer intentions and then prays on air for the people with whom he talks. There’s a “saint of the day” feature. There are nuggets of news a listener might not find reported widely in secular media and  some fun quizzes and games the hosts play either with one another or listeners. One show even makes time to discuss the coming weekend’s readings, putting them in today’s language and social context.

It was an afternoon program that finally piqued my interest. The host, Lino Rulli — otherwise known as “The Catholic Guy” — was talking about the desire he has to help fellow human beings, but he doesn’t know how.

After some callers suggested he volunteer for an organization that fits his interests, he said he did not want a long-term commitment. Then, after a caller suggested “random acts of kindness,” he said he wanted to do more than superficially help people. Finally, he said he is inspired by God to do something, but God doesn’t give him the means to do it.

Hmmm. That seems to be an issue with which our society is struggles. We want it all, but only if it is easy. I’m all for doing things the easiest or most efficient way, but I think our society as a whole is shying away from the work ethic that built our country and our church.

We see it in the context of our economy. It seems like every time I turn on the radio or television, I am bombarded with commercials from companies that will “fix” your credit problem by negotiating down your debt with your creditors. The way our society has become so enamored with the instant gratification that comes with using credit cards. It is a symptom of our desire to have what we want without taking time to work for it.

I don’t know about your kids, but mine want good grades without having to put forth the effort of actually earning them. Homework is put off as long as possible, even longer if it takes too much brainpower to be completed. Sometimes I think they’d rather get a failing grade than put forth the effort to figure it out.

When I talk with them about a career path, I often hear they are not good enough in a particular area to pursue that goal. Since my kids range from age 10 to 15, I cringe at the idea that they are giving up on so much for themselves so early in life, only because they perceive it is too difficult. One of my most asked questions now has become, “How do you get better at something?” Hard work and practice.

To accomplish something through hard work brings more satisfaction, it seems to me, than having it handed to me on a silver platter.

This lesson became very clear to me once when I was talking with a priest. We were talking about changing a behavior when I foolishly said, “But that’s not easy!” His response was very clear: If God made things easy for us, what would we learn?

Life isn’t supposed to be easy, and we aren’t meant to have everything handed to us without the hard work it takes to achieve whatever goal we’re after.

So, Mr. Rulli, I think God has given you the means to fulfill your desire to help people. However, you first need to realize you can’t have all the satisfaction of being helpful without putting in the time and effort and commitment needed to make that happen.

It’s a lesson I know I need to be reminded of constantly.