The Spiritual and the Mundane

A couple of weeks ago I went through a short phase where I didn’t do any of my college work. I thought (at least I managed to convince myself) that I needed to devote more time to my spiritual life “and if I do have a vocation,” I thought “what’ll be the good of getting a degree?” Well that phase is mostly over now, thanks be to God!

I am reminded of something my old headmaster used say when we weren’t working as well as we should have been at school (rather optimistically, he supposed it was because we were praying too much). He used to say that in order to give glory to God, “you don’t have to go live in a cave; you just have to do your duty of state”.

I can see (at least, in theory) that God is more pleased by the small sacrifices I make every day in my ordinary, frustratingly human life. To not be able to aspire to do great things, even “in the service of God” as St. Ignatius says in a quote somewhere on this blog, is in itself a sacrifice, which gives glory to God. Doing great things only glorifies myself.

It is not the actual physical exertion that counts towards a man's progress, nor the nature of the task, but by the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken. – St. Francis Xavier

The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary: and she conceived of the Holy Spirit

And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. . . . The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. – [Luke 1:26-35]

How must Our Lady have felt, being told that she was to carry the God whom she had worshipped from childhood, in her womb, give birth to Him, comfort and care for Him, and doubtless at times she had to be a little bit strict. Also, Mary was well versed in sacred scripture and therefore would have known or at least have had some idea of the sufferings to come, for both her and her unborn Son. What overwhelming, beautiful feelings.

I think, during Advent and the coming Christmas season is a good time to review how I prepare to receive Our Lord in Holy Communion. Should this not be an overwhelmingly beautiful experience? To carry my very God in my own body? Yet, so often I just go and line up in the aisle because its ‘Communion time’, often with my mind on other things.

I read this passage [Luke 1] as the moment when Mary received her calling from God, I wish we knew more about her earlier life, and her response to this call is instantaneous – she conceived. I believe my own call from God came a couple of years ago and I did nothing; I’ve only just started now. Mary’s call is very direct though, so there would have been little if any discernment to be done. A while ago I couldn’t hear God at all, I prayed and prayed for Him to talk to me, it was difficult trying to hold a conversation when I didn’t get any replies.

That which God commands seems difficult and a burden. The way is rough; you draw back; you have no desire to follow it. Yet do so and you will attain glory. - Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria