The Duties of our State
1. Everyone finds himself in a certain position in life. He may be
there either through force of circumstances or through somebody else's
desire or through some secret inspiration from God. In any case, each of
us is in a certain place, and God either wills it or permits it. We
should not complain about our state in life. No matter what that state
is, we can either be saved or damned for
all eternity. In any position we can do a great deal of good or a great
deal of evil, according to the way in which we cooperate with the grace
of God. We should not envy the positions of others. This would be
unjust, because it would be tantamount to questioning the arrangements
of Providence, which gives everyone the graces necessary in his
particular state. It would also be injurious, in so far as we should be
worried and disturbed instead of working peacefully and earnestly in the
place assigned to us by God.
2. Some are called by God to the
lofty state of the priesthood or of the religious life. This is a very
great grace. We should cooperate generously and do our best to overcome
any obstacles we meet. Others are called to become good Christian
fathers and mothers and to rear a family. This is a most important role,
because the proper education of children and the future of the Church
and of society depend on it. Every position has its obligations, which
each of us should work hard to fulfil in every detail. The grace
appropriate to our state will be available to us. But this grace has to
be balanced by a sincere determination on our part to carry out
carefully the duties of our state. Let us examine ourselves in this
regard. If we discover that we have been neglectful or deficient in any
way, let us resolve to put things right.
3. Let us be content
or at least resigned in the position in which Providence has placed us.
Let us pay special attention to those things which we are obliged to do.
Anything which is not necessary should be left until later, even if it
is more pleasant or seems more worthwhile in itself. Let us never become
involved in business which is incompatible with our state or dangerous
to our eternal welfare. Let us not make light of minor offences against
the duties of our station. Smaller transgressions gradually become
greater. Above all, let us try and sanctify our calling. It is one thing
to work conscientiously, another to work in a spirit of holiness. Even
pagans can do their duty earnestly. Doing our duty is only a help to our
eternal salvation if it is done with God's grace for the purpose of
serving Him, for His love and glory. This should be our manner of
behaviour. If it is, we can claim to have sanctified our state in life
and to have made our work holy.
No comments:
Post a Comment