A Perfect Example of How We Can Always Make Time For Important Spiritual Matters Even at Work

Today we consider a perfect example of how we can always make time for spiritual matters even at work. 

We already know this is important. We know that in order to "super-naturalize" our daily labor, we must begin with the intention to do just that. We know that to reinforce our intention we can take quick mental breaks - no matter how busy we are - and utter a quick prayer, in the form of an aspiration like "All for Thee!" 

That's our back drop for our perfect example.

Leading into it, let's remember too that we don't have to fret if our habit of brief moments of recollection is less than perfect. Indeed, we might spend a lifetime at work, trying to hone this into a consistent, reliable pattern. But the mere fact that we do make the effort is going to put us in good standing here. 

Some of us are simply better than others in developing certain habits more quickly and more consistently. From personal experience, those of us with what we might call "active" brains may struggle mightily to quell those random thoughts that constantly spark up in our waking hours. God permits this for a reason. Perhaps such thoughts are a component of creativity, if such is part of our daily work. Perhaps God permits such thoughts to press us to "temper" them as part of His plan to draw us closer to Him. Whatever the reason for them, they come, and sometimes in relentless waves. So be it. We can still manage, if only once or twice a day, to recollect ourselves. And when we do, He will know it, of course.

No matter our individual temperament, we should know that the thoughts, words, and actions we perform each day at work can and should be sanctified. Anyone can do this. Begin by recognizing the fact. Then make sure that - at least from time to time, we state our intention to do all for the greater glory of God. (It's probably best if we can manage to make our intention each day before our work begins, but any time will do in a pinch.)

Now on to our "perfect example." It comes from the pen of our dear Father Willie. For those who don't know him well yet, he was a military chaplain who served in the trenches in World War I. He died serving his "boys." We have and will reference the words he left us in his diary from time to time. This is one such time. 

(You can find these words posted almost every day at williedoyle.org.) 

Here we find Father taking the time, in the midst of his frequently harrowing duties in the trenches, to write a letter that reminds us of the importance of our spiritual life. While he did all he could to provide consolation and comfort for the troops he served, he always knew that his greatest work was to provide the sacraments. We find many references to how important his boys considered the Sacrament of Penance. (We all can learn a thing or two from their reactions when they could confess before going "over the top.") And, of course, there was the final Sacrament - Extreme Unction. Father Willie administered this to countless dying soldiers. Indeed, he died in his last attempt to do so on the battlefield.

Let's read Father's words now. As we do, let's try to allow his understanding of the primary importance of our spiritual life sink deeply into our hearts and minds.   

 

Dear Sir — One is often struck, on glancing over the papers, at the numerous appeals made to provide ‘comforts for our troops,’ but no one ever seems to think that the souls of those who have fallen in battle may possibly be in need of much greater comfort than the bodies of their comrades who survive.

With all the spiritual help now at their disposal, even in the very firing line, we may be fairly confident that few, if any, of our Catholic men are unprepared to meet Almighty God. That does not mean they are fit for Heaven. God’s justice must be fully satisfied, and the debt of forgiven sin fully atoned for in Purgatory. Hence I venture to appeal to the great charity of your readers to provide ‘comforts for our dead soldiers’ by having Masses offered for their souls. Remembrance of our dead and gratitude are virtues dear to every Irish heart. Our brave lads have suffered and fought and died for us. They have nobly given their lives for God and country. It is now our turn to make some slight sacrifice, so that they may soon enter into the joy of eternal rest. — Very faithfully yours,...