Reflecting on service, penance
If we genuinely listen to and live the words and the life that Jesus Christ lived and preached, it just might change how we serve, pray and interact with other people, with creation, and with various situations that life presents.
While reflecting on Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18, I came across some words from Saint Claude la Colombiere, who was the spiritual director of Saint Margaret Mary Alocoque in the mid- to late-17th century. Here are a few of his words for your reflection that pertain to service, prayer and penance.
“I have resolved never to hesitate when an opportunity presents itself of humbling myself and of letting people see me as I am and know me as I have been. This will not be difficult if God gives me the grace to remember that the less we are esteemed by men, the more we are esteemed by God, and it is He alone I desire to please.
“I have noticed that when we are very careful to mortify and humble ourselves in everything, we sometimes become depressed and less ready to serve God. This is a temptation which we can conquer by thinking that God only asks these things of us through love.
“We should aim at humbling ourselves to please God as a good friend tries to please his friend, or a son his father. There must be no constraint but a holy liberty of spirit, for this liberty is one of the best signs of true love.
“A single look, a good thought, a holy desire is enough to gain the heart of God and the admiration of the heavenly hosts ... but to be loved and considered by the world requires far more care and fatigue.”
The Rev. Kevin Fazio is administrator of the Butler Area Catholic Parishes, which includes St. Andrew, St. Fidelis, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Paul and St. Peter churches.
