Keeping Chaos At The Gates Never Ends - 4

As we did last time, we will feast today on the meaty thoughts of Fr. Schryvers. Our special intention was to see how they could help us to keep chaos at the gates during our work day - our current theme and mini-series. If you haven't read the whole passage, check last Thursday's post. For now, we will continue to use our carving knife to slice it up into little servings and chew slowly.  

After a good start last time, we can now consider even more specific suggestions to bolster our efforts. 

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. 

Can we not see just how many of these occasions arise during the average work day? We will if we begin the day with the intention of doing so, and then proceed to tackle our first task in a more "recollected" manner. In this case, "recollected" entails knowing that God is Present, even as our day might become busier or more intense. Our recollection of His Presence will help to direct our eyes, our minds, our hearts in the direction of a mortification of even some legitimate pleasure, an awareness of an inclination that might distract us from our duties, some passing whim to chat, surf the internet, daydream, etc. It will help us to suppress our untoward need to have things our way, even when some other person's suggestion would serve our practical objective just as well. It will help to short-circuit the temptation to judge others either personally or professionally especially because, in all likelihood, we don't know the circumstances of any words or actions we might deem "judge-worthy." And when curiosity pokes its nose under our tent, it will help us to push it right back out with one foot even as we continue with the task at hand.

As for opportunities we think we might miss, Father refers us to the wisdom and charity of Our Blessed Lord. 

What if we believe any of these efforts to be too painful to bear or even consider? Here is Father's assessment. He doesn't mince words: 

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.

Finally, Father fortuitously addresses the whole "How do I know God's will?" thing. It's really not all that complicated as we might think. This straightforward practical advice is one of the reasons we Catholic men at work really need to make time for spiritual reading every day. It's not a luxury. 

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.)

Note especially "do it for love," as well as the exception in the case of those of us who suffer inordinately from anxiety.

"Know your customer" is a general aphorism in the business world. Indeed, in professional practices, it can be an absolute requirement to meet compliance rules. Spiritual writers like Father Schryvers aren't plying their trade in the business world, but we see how they typically know their "customers" so well. That's part of the reason their advice is so practical and effective.

No matter how many hours we may work, or how pressing the demands of our daily labor, it really does behoove us to make time for spiritual reading. And it will certainly, as we've seen, help us to keep chaos at the gates!