Keeping Chaos at The Gates Never Ends - 2

This theme of keeping chaos at the gates just keeps coming back. It's like it won't let go. Not sure why. Are we any more in danger of impending chaos than has always been the case - as we've seen? Perhaps. But perhaps it's just that once the reality sinks in, it's beneficial to really make sure it stays stuck. It can be a great motivator!

In any case, we've got some very specific and practical suggestions for our daily work that will assist us in keeping chaos at the gates today from one of our regular spiritual directors, Fr. Joseph Schryvers. Father isn't directly addressing our "chaos at the gates" theme. What he's doing here is showing us how to find God in everything. We do understand why that's important and desirable, right?

Think about this. If we know that God is in everything - and He is - then we have no need to fear what can be the daunting reality of chaos at the gates. We can go about our daily work in a calm, measured spirit of peace. And if we can do that, our work can more easily be performed freely, with love, for the greater glory of God. We can more naturally, without anxiety or even any special urgency, perform our duties in a manner that remains open to God's guiding Hand, to the whispering of the Holy Spirit. We can take any difficulties, pain, or suffering that might arrive as we attend to our daily tasks and quickly unite ourselves to Our Lord on His Cross, perhaps even with great joy.

If we can do all this as we work, then the chaos we know is at the gates remains in place. But it will not impinge on the performance of our duties.  

So let's carefully consider Fr. Schryvers words and take the time to let them sink in. Don't rush through this. Indeed, better to read and re-read. We'll find very specific suggestions that can be applied throughout the day today, no matter what this day brings to us. 

“If you want to find God in everything, you must quit self. If you want to acquire the love of Jesus, renounce self-indulgence always. All that you cut off from self-love and self-satisfaction you give to divine love. This is the doctrine of universal renunciation, and perhaps it arouses in you, who are still imperfect, a sentiment of fear. But you need not be afraid; only the beginning is hard; by degrees you will reach the more serene and peaceful ways that lead to holiness. 

"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.

"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.)

This is meaty stuff and well-worth our spending more time parsing through it. We'll do that next time.