Saturday, October 1, 2005

Mortification, Part II

Continued from Part I.
There are three main areas for daily mortification in our ordinary lives. First of all, there is the heartfelt and serene acceptance of the contradictions every day brings. In most cases this refers to the very small things that crop up unexpectedly, and that force us to change our plans or adjust our expectations. One example might be a minor illness that interferes with our performance at work or affects family life. Other examples would include having to put up with inclement weather, heavy traffic, the difficult personality of a colleague at work ... These circumstances are beyond our personal control. We have got to see them as providing opportunities to love God even more. None of these problems should take away our peace and joy.

If these small contradictions are not accepted for the sake of Love, they will only succeed in making people become frustrated and irritable. The great majority of our frustrations come from small contradictions which we have not accepted rather than from major disasters. The person who lies awake at night, who is gloomy, who is in a bad humor, has usually not suffered some great blow. He has simply been unable to turn small setbacks into encounters with God (A. G. Dorronsoro). Such a one loses many chances to grow in virtue. In addition, when the soul gets into the habit of accepting small reverses as divine favors it becomes better prepared to face more serious trials in union with the Lord.

God came into the world to provide a healing remedy for the root of all our rebellion and misery He destroyed many things as useless obstacles but chose to leave pain intact. He did not take away pain, but gave it a new meaning. He could have chosen a thousand different ways to accomplish the Redemption of the human race, but he chose the Cross. It was by this path that He has led his Mother Mary, Joseph, the Apostles and all the sons of God. The Lord allows evil to exist and he draws out good for our souls from it (J. Urteaga). Let us be sure to convert setbacks into occasions of interior growth.
I have to say that when I remember to do this, offer up my annoyances, pray for those who are driving me crazy, to pray and for myself (for more patience, a better grip on my temper, etc.) not only does my day turn around but I really feel God's presence much more throughout the day. And why not? I am then focusing on pleasing Him rather than on making myself the center of the universe.

Coming Monday: the last two of three main areas for daily mortification.

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