|
Since the rule of life which we have proposed
includes so many counsels and so many virtues, and
since our intelligence is incapable of embracing a
multitude of things at one time, it will be well to
apply ourselves to the practice of one virtue which,
in a measure, comprehends the rest, or supplies for
all that may be wanting to them. Such is the virtue
of continual vigilance in all our words and actions. An ambassador about to address a king studies not
only what he will say, but how he will say it, and
strives to regulate his gestures and his whole
bearing so that he may present himself to the monarch
in the most becoming manner, With more reason a
Christian, who is the subject of the King of kings,
must watch over himself at all times, whether he
speaks or is silent, at prayer or at table, at home
or abroad. He must measure all his actions, all his
words, by the law of his Divine Master. We find
this virtue of vigilance frequently recommended in
the sacred Scriptures. "Keep thyself and thy soul
carefully." (Deut. 4:9). "Walk solicitous with thy
God." (Mich. 6:8). That is, be careful to avoid
everything contrary to His will. The many eyes of the
mysterious creatures mentioned in Ezechiel also
represent the vigilance with which we must guard our
soul. (Cf. Ezech. 1-18). Besides the many dangers
to which we are exposed, the difficulty and delicacy
of the work of salvation render this vigilance
indispensable, particularly for one who aspires to
the perfection of the spiritual life. For to live in
union with God, to abide in the flesh and yet to be
free from its corruption, and to preserve one's self
from the snares of the world "without offense unto
the day of Christ" (Phil. 1:10) require not only the
assistance of grace but the greatest vigilance over
ourselves. Follow in this respect the wise counsel of
Seneca: "Always imagine yourself in the presence of
one for whom you entertain the greatest respect, and
refrain from all that you would not do in His
presence." (Epist. 25 ). A no less salutary
practice is to live as if each day were the last of
our lives, and the evening were to bring us before
the tribunal of God to render an account of all our
actions. But the most efficacious means of all is to
walk continually in the presence of God, who is
everywhere, and to act in all things with obedience
due to so great a Master, who is the Witness and the
Judge of all our works. Frequently implore the grace
to avoid all that would render us unworthy of His
divine presence. Thus the vigilance which we here
counsel has two ends: First, to fix the eyes of our
soul upon God, and unceasingly to offer Him on the
altar of our hearts a sacrifice of adoration,
respect, praise, devotion, thanksgiving, and love;
secondly, to watch over all our thoughts, words, and
actions, that we may in all things follow the
guidance of His will. Though this vigilance is not
easily acquired, nevertheless we must endeavor to
practice it as uninterruptedly as possible. Corporal
exercises are no obstacle to it, for with fidelity to
the practice of it the heart will always be free to
withdraw from them for awhile, and seek its repose in
the wounds of Jesus Christ.
|