Holy Contentment
1. We must not think that there is anything sad or sullen about virtue.
It is quite otherwise. Virtue is the only real happiness. It is a quiet
contentment, based on and depending on God, which is not afraid of
dangers or difficulties because it knows that everything can be overcome
with the help of God. “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.”
(Phil. 4:13) This happiness is not
founded on passing pleasures, but on the confident expectation of the
everlasting joys of Heaven. It can exist even in the midst of
difficulties and sorrows, because these detach us from the world and
raise us to a higher level. When the Jews first persecuted the infant
Church, the Apostles were said to have been happy to suffer for the name
of Christ. (Acts 5:41) This is an example of the contentment which
accompanies virtue, the peace which neither threats nor injuries can
destroy. Seek this lasting happiness. Do not despise the lesser
pleasures of this world as long as they are innocent, for everything is
good and beautiful which comes from God. Do not become too fond of them,
however. Remember that God alone can fill our hearts with real
happiness.
2. Some people picture the Saints as grim and
austere men, shut away in the ivory tower of their own sanctity. Nothing
could be further from the truth. Admittedly, there were some who
practised austerities and penances which would astonish and frighten
many of us today. Even in the midst of the voluntary acts of
mortification, however, they were full of holy joy. They no longer
craved for anything in this world; they desired Heaven alone. It is said
that St. Romuald's countenance was always so radiantly cheerful that
anyone who looked at him felt happy. The gaiety of St. Philip Neri and
many others has become a well-known legend. Heaven was already in their
hearts. We cannot all arrive at such a height of sanctity, but we can
and must avoid vain and sinful pleasures and search for the real
happiness which comes from a good life.
3. There is a story
told about St. Francis of Assisi and another brother who were
approaching a monastery after a long journey. They were tired and hungry
and it was late. "When we arrive at the monastery and knock at the
door, the porter may not recognise us," St. Francis said to his
companion. "He may send us away with hard woods under the impression
that we are a pair of thieves. If that happens, we shall be made to look
ridiculous and shall have neither food nor lodging for the night...
That would be pure joy, I'm telling you!" Naturally, it would be
impossible for everyone to become quite as detached as this from worldly
things. But we should all have that confidence in God which gives peace
and spiritual contentment during the trials of life. The joy of
Christian resignation is the knowledge that everything we suffer for the
love of God helps us to merit Heaven.
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