Examples of Good Spiritual Works Giving Solid Pracitical Tips at Work - 2

We continue our efforts to see if we can extract some practical tips from good spiritual works - tips we can use on the job to help us do the best work we can. Last time we saw how quitting self, or self-renunciation, would be a solid way to both improve our spiritual life, as well as our practical day to day work. But we recognized that the intention to renounce self will only be effective if we have specific suggestions on just how to go about doing that. 

With that in mind, our spiritual guide now provides just those suggestions:

"How is this universal renunciation to be practiced? Live in the present moment only; occupy yourself entirely in fulfilling your duties calmly, without eagerness and without loitering; but during your occupations, be on watch for occasions to give pleasure to Jesus, Who works, prays, and lives in you. When the opportunity of making a little sacrifice arises, such as mortification of the taste, of an inclination, of a whim, of self-will, of judgment, or of curiosity – seize the occasion with eagerness, then quietly continue on your way. Many opportunities for sacrifice will, doubtless, escape, but do not worry; Jesus does not yet ask these; otherwise He would suggest them. Among those privations you perceive some may appear to you to be too painful, and perhaps you neglect them. That is an infidelity towards Jesus: you must own up to it, and make a resolution to be more generous. Pray earnestly to the Divine Master to give you the desire and the strength to make these sacrifices."

As we found in yesterday's post, it's pretty clear how these suggestions can improve our spiritual life. Now let's see how they might improve our day to day work:

We've discussed the spiritual importance of living in the present moment a number of times in the past. A lot of good spiritual works make this point, and some devote themselves entirely to it. But it's not hard to see the practical benefit it can have on our work as well. 

If we can develop the discipline of remaining fully present in our assigned task at all times, we eliminate the human tendency to jump ahead to the future, or ruminate on the past. While planning for the future may be good in many ways, picturing something that may or may not happen in the future can take away from our ability to focus on the task at hand. Our present work can suffer, either in quality or in our meeting a deadline. 

As for the past, it's never good for our soul to dredge up either past failures or triumphs. In the case of sin, if we confessed properly, we've been forgiven - for good. In the case of shortfalls in our efforts to be good, there's no point in dwelling on this, unless we're trying to find a lesson we can use to avoid pitfalls. You can easily see how this can make sense when it comes to our daily work. 

We might even throw in that we're only as good as our last success when it comes to our work. Unless you've got an exceptional employer, it's usually "What have you done for me lately" that rules.  

All in all, it should be clear how the consistent habit of being solely in the present moment will pay off in the end.

And how do we assure ourselves of remaining in the present moment? Simply "occupy yourself entirely in fulfilling your duties calmly, without eagerness and without loitering." This may not come naturally or easily for many of us. But it's definitely something we can work at. Over time, we'll find it becomes second nature. And don't forget the spiritual "bonus" that will come with our efforts. Our habitual calmness will allow us moment to "be on watch for occasions to give pleasure to Jesus." 

These can be simple "mortification of the taste, of an inclination, of a whim, of self-will, of judgment, or of curiosity." If we consider each, we can see how these will bolster our ability to remain in the present moment by keeping out all self-centeredness and distraction. Both our spiritual life and our work will benefit tremendously.

And for those of us who may wonder whether eagerness to please Our Lord actually does please Him, Father adds this: 

"Sometimes you will be in doubt as to whether Jesus asks for certain acts or not: in this case, lose no time wondering; do whichever of the two things you wish, but do it for love; for, if you really love, your heart will always be inclined, in these doubtful cases, to take what is less agreeable. However, if you are subject to anxiety, you can sometimes take what pleases you most, personally, not for personal satisfaction, but in order not to lose your liberty of spirit and sense of spiritual balance. This renunciation of self should be accomplished without constraint and even with gaiety of heart. ‘God loves of cheerful giver.’ (II Cor. 9:7)” (Fr. Joseph Schryvers, C.SS.R.)

Simply put, all these suggestions will not only please Jesus, but improve our work, as well as prove pleasing to our employers, clients, and customers.

We've covered the basics in these last two posts. But Father Schryvers has much more to give us in this vein. It makes sense to give continue to give him a free hand in the next few posts as well.

Until next time...