How Not To Be So Preoccupied

Today we'll offer another spiritual passage worthy of slow reading and meditation. It's part of our summer respite theme. That's where many of us find our work easing up a bit, a kind of summer slowdown. So instead of just goofing off a bit, we're going to take a chunk of that respite time and attempt to bolster our spiritual life. To do that, we read the spiritual passage and think about/meditate on it.

Last time our passage discussed "vain preoccupation." Today's passage expands on that. Our writer gives us advice on how to squelch this unseemly vice. He cites Scripture and the words of a saint to help us along in our efforts.

Of note, before we dive in: Vain preoccupation isn't uncommon. And it's not simply because we're vain creatures (although it can be that). Here are two outside influences on us that can bring amplify this tendency:

First, there's the "It's all about me" culture we live in. Need I explain? If you're not a completely self-absorbed sort yourself, you've likely seen this in others. A small quick example might be one of our neighbors. A seemingly decent enough young woman, when she has friends over, she's always taking photos of them. The friends pose as if they're movie stars (those fake sort of poses). Weird.

Second, many of us in business are bombarded by self-help, self-improvement, team-building, ego boosting slogans, books, seminars, etc. Again, it's all about us.

Now, to be clear, it's good to improve your skills. There's nothing wrong with advancing your career, getting a raise and/or promotion. But when it feeds the ego, when you obsess on taking credit for every little contribution you make, you become a walking selfie. I've worked with enough people whose world revolves around only them to be able to spot such types quickly. I avoid them when possible.

Finally, even if not an ego-driven type, we all have moments when things go wrong and anxiety gets the best of us. There we're not so much vain but simply preoccupied with ourselves. As you'll see, that's where today's passage focuses. My own bouts of anxiety over many years have taught me the value of our writer's advice. Let's dig in...

“When preoccupation assails you, in spite of yourself, repeat calmly an act of love and confidence, disavow these thoughts and fears, and if you pass the whole time of a meditation saying, ‘Jesus! I do not want to be anxious; I am yours,’ you will have made an excellent prayer, even though your mind remains still possessed by these phantoms. During such trying moments, you should also recall the words of Our Lord: ‘Be not solicitous therefore, saying: “What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed?” For after these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knoweth that you have need of these things. Seek ye therefore first, the Kingdom of God and His Justice, and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Mt. 6:31)

“If our Lord said these words, it was not for nothing; and if they do not apply to you, for whom then are they meant? – Therefore, take them and apply them to yourself literally; cast from you all vain preoccupations and do your duties in all simplicity; if miracles are necessary to free you from the difficulties which may arise, Jesus will work them. Recall, for your profit, the words of Blessed Joseph Cottolengo, when he saw himself in want of food for his orphans: ‘We shall see which of us two will lose the cause: Providence or Cottolengo. Up to this, Providence has always been the victor!’ What rest you will secure for your soul, and what freedom for your mind, if you progress so far as to eliminate all anxiety and throw all your cares on God, without calculation and without hesitation! If you do your duty, Jesus will do His.” (Fr. Joseph Schryvers, C.SS.R.)

Before ever reading this, I posted Our Lords words in my office:

Be not solicitous therefore, saying: “What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed?” For after these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knoweth that you have need of these things. Seek ye therefore first, the Kingdom of God and His Justice, and all these things shall be added unto you.

I found it most helpful, especially when I was starting up my business. Those early years brought times when income was meager and the future looked shaky. (Not that everything's hunky-dory all the time now!) Having those words handy, as a reminder, was most helpful. Not only were they consoling; but they pushed me to learn to truly trust in God's Providence, to really turn things over to Him.

The best time to learn to trust God is when things aren't going so great, right? Of course it didn't always eliminate anxiety. But it taught me to offer those tough and anxious moments to a loving and merciful Father Who had my best interests always in Mind. Do that enough times and it sticks.