A 14th Sunday after Pentecost Thought About How Love Inspires Universal Detachment

Our 14th Sunday after Pentecost thoughts bring back our old friend Fr. Schryvers who will teach us how love inspires universal detachment.

"Detachment" has the primary meaning of "being objective or aloof." But Father isn't urging either on us. Certainly not aloof. But not really objective either.

Being aloof can imply we're somehow above it all. The world and its creatures scurry about and are simply not either interesting or important enough for us - or something like that.

As for being objective we should have developed the ability to be objective, especially in the world as we know and experience it these days. Our lives are filled with waves of media, most of which drench us with exaggerated emotion, misleading purported "facts," and outright lies. Being objective counters all this and therefore is good.

But we'll see that this idea of Universal Detachment is so much more. And it will begin with being detached from ourselves. 

Those of us who recognize our all too human tendency to put self above others, who spend an inordinate amount of time catering to our personal wants and needs to the exclusion of those of others, or, worse, to the exclusion of God, will find a path to redemption from self as well as a spark of salvation in Father's words. 

There's so much that Father offers, we'll divide his thoughts into three sections and present them today and over the next two Sundays.  

Let's begin with what universal detachment entails, as well as specific instructions on how it can be practiced:

 

 Love Inspires Universal Detachment

    “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.)

Happy 14th Sunday after Pentecost!