On Being Watchful at Work - Part 2

Building on our last post, let's consider each of the items Dom Chautard lists in The Soul of the Apostolate. We're doing a few things simultaneously here. First, each of us can consider each as it might apply (or not) in our own individual life. While none of us is perfect, all of us aren't necessarily afflicted with each and every one of these. Read slowly and choose honestly those that apply to you.

(The complete list in one place is included in our last post.)

Note, please, "honestly." If we're truly humble, we've got a better chance of choosing in a manner that's open to the truth - which means we'll be honest with ourselves. If, on the other hand, our humility could use some improvement, we may be tempted to skip or avoid one or more items that are just to - how to say it - embarrassing, even painful - to admit. (And if that's the case, no worries: Join the club!)

With that in mind, we'll work our way through Dom Chautard's list and here specifically try to apply each to our work. We start with...

• The failure through spiritual laziness, to raise up my soul to God

If we take our spiritual life seriously, we already engage in regular, planned time for prayer and meditation, religious study and spiritual reading, and at least some of the myriad practices that make time for God (Mass, Rosary, Angelus, etc.) Yes, being extra busy at work on certain days may always presents a challenge. But let's do our best not to let spiritual laziness deflect us to any great degree. It doesn't take much to begin and end our day in prayer. It's not beyond even the busiest of us to utter - at least mentally - aspirations throughout the day. A simple "All for Thee, Lord," or "I love You Jesus" from time to time will alert us enough such that offering all we do for the greater glory of God may be assured.  

• An inordinate love of creatures

If love of God comes first in our lives, we won't be tempted to indulge or admire others excessively. At work, simply give others the time, attention, respect and/or deference that is their due, whether boss, co-worker, customer, vendor, etc.

• A hasty temper and impatience

I've been more the recipient here than the one doling it out. Unless someone needs their cage to be rattled (and that's not a common necessity), there's no excuse for this sort of behavior. Treat people as you'd like to be treated and you'll likely not have to fight this one.

• Nursing a grudge

On the other hand, this one's a bit subtle, and can easily grab a spot in your mind and/or heart. If you hold grudges, work hard on this. They're insidious and unrelenting. I typically don't hold grudges, but am careful not to dismiss the possibility, lest one sneak in under the radar.

• Being capricious and changeable

Our spiritual life ought not to be rote, rigid, repetitious, without imagination or emotion. But superficially flitting from one pious practice to another isn't good either. In business, flexibility and being open to new ideas will serve you well. The business landscape can change pretty rapidly in a modern economy (never mind the challenges this C-Virus Mess brings). On the other hand, you can't constantly jump from one idea to the other, one project to the other, never quite finishing anything. Heed St. Benedict's "moderation in all things" as expressed in his Rule. You'll find the happy medium in both your work and your spiritual life: flexibility and liberty of spirit grounded in stability and constancy in your daily efforts.

• Getting soft, loving whatever is easy and gives pleasure
• Dissipation, and a lot of curiosity about things that have nothing whatever to do with the glory of God
  

Let's face it, most of us live pretty soft, easy lives these days. We avoid pain and discomfort when possible. Taken to the extreme, we medicate at the first sign of even a mild headache.  

If we take seriously our intention of working for the glory of God, it should guide and color all our efforts throughout the day. Keeping your mind on your work establishes the basis of working for God's glory. Seeking comfort and/or pleasure, even allowing our attention to wander all the time, undermines this.

• Always talking without any cause about the faults of other people
• Spreading scandal, gossiping, and making rash and stupid judgments of others
• Contempt of others, and constant criticism of their conduct

Working hard, focusing on your daily tasks should preclude all of this. Sadly, that's not always the case. We conveniently hide the sight and drown out the sound of our own faults by finding fault in others. Best to totally avoid criticism.

St. Francis de Sales had a lot to say about this. Left unchecked, it leads to the serious sin of detraction. Beware. Control your thoughts and your tongue.

To be continued...