“The End of Desire” is almost a play on words to Catholic thinkers. There is the obvious meaning with its implications. Desire ceases when it is satisfied. Only God can fully satisfy every desire.
Also, “end” can mean purpose or “that for the sake of which.” We, or some of us, find a kind of longing in us which is only strengthened by creaturely satisfactions. This desire drives us to look beyond the world. God himself is what that desire is aimed at. He is its purpose.
Yes, words mean things. Only God is “The Fulfillment of All Desire.” Most Catholic thinkers understand themselves as participants in a very long conversation. Conversations develop their own “jargon” and common phrases. Many, possibly most, Catholics will see the title and understand that it's about life with God. And of course one might note the subtitle — if one were going to look at the book before criticizing it, an unusual procedure these days.
It's distressing to note how this thread developed. One person implies that Msgr Pope is saying we need this book. What he actually says is we need prayer. Another person scoffs that we don't need priests — though it's clear that, since the Post mentions three women, there's no suggestion that only priests can help with prayer.
There's a contention that all we need is the Bible. But, again, nobody said this book was needed. Words mean things; helpful and necessary are not synonyms. I find this book helpful. (I'm currently rocking an autographed copy ... ain't I special!) And Dr. Martin — not a priest, by the way — is a good guy, and I like to talk with good guys about important things, don't you? So I like to read what Dr. Martin and the people to whom he refers have to say about the important matter of our personal relationship with God. Why wouldn't, why shouldn't I?
We can talk