A word from the Superior General

Devotion is a typical feature of Christian action, and therefore of Betharramite action. For the disciples of Jesus, this position is not pure coincidence, but rather the theological “place” where God makes himself present and reveals His will. Like Jesus, every Christian tries to please the Father by doing His will in all the situations he encounters in life. “May Fathers Barbé and Cazedepats be where God wants them to be, in order to do what He wants and how He wants it. Within these boundaries, may they practise the vastness of charity; May they work perfectly towards their own salvation and perfection and dedicate themselves admirably to the salvation and perfection not only of the people who are entrusted to them, in great or small number, but also to ours and to that of many more people.” (Correpsondence Vol.II, letter 215, pag. 49-50).

Devotion has a negative first step, that of dying to oneself, but a positive second step, that of dedication, giving, responsibility of faithfully meeting the demands of our vocation and of our mission, whatever the cost. We have to do the best we can, with the resources we have, without complaining about their limitations. Complaining would be an excuse to avoid the demands of work, to not give our all in a difficult situation or even to think ourselves not good enough for the task ahead. It is by giving myself in a responsible fashion to my situation that it becomes better. To think that I would be better off in another situation is a fantasy because I know neither the people nor the circumstances nor the scope of this new situation. Devotion does not justify tactless action which is more the fruits of self-love than of giving oneself or of the service of others. This is why St Michael Garicoits insisted upon limits of situation, of vocation and of the gifts of grace in order to avoid dispersing ourselves in multiple activities chosen to make ourselves feel good, instead of concentrating on what has been asked of us.

Perfection consists of completing ordinary actions well, in fulfilling one’s duties well. It is sometimes said: if I were in another situation, in such a house, with such a superior, in such a class etc, I would make progress in my journey to holiness. What an illusion! To do everyday deeds well: sweeping, washing the dishes, dedicating yourself to the most humble service that you have been charged with. That’s what God expects of you. (DS 263)

We must always be dedicated. Whether we are seen or not, whether we are given recognition or criticism, whether it pleases us or pains us. There are two criteria for this: the will of God and the optimum service of others. Nothing else. The real disciple of Jesus doesn’t do things thinking about himself, but rather in order to please God and serve his brothers. It has nothing to do with searching for honour, prestige or success. St Michael Garicoits said that success comes from God; we are simple servants. Let’s tremble at success. If I preach and they applaud me, the church is full, my confessional has a never-ending queue; it has to make to shudder. If I preach and it doesn’t please them, they abandon the church saying: What pomp and ceremony! These trials must inspire me to be more bold and to persevere more in my efforts …. Young scholastics, … please have the sentiments of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Be humble in success and, without doing anything to look for it, do not trust in its consequences for others. I refer to diplomas, to these pieces of paper, and how much they make people swell with pride. (DS 182-183)

Magnanimity does not contradict humility: they are two virtues which compliment each other. Humility cannot serve as an excuse for laziness or melancholy. The Lord has given us gifts, qualities, talents so that we are capable of carrying out our vocation well, our mission and our profession in the service of our brothers. Magnanimity consists of doing things as well as possible, fully using our potential. Magnanimity does not pride itself in having done things well, nor does it half do things to show a false incompetency. That would not be true humility which always lives in truth. My brothers need me to carry out my work responsibly and I have to commit my whole interest and capability to it, like an adult, because perhaps I am the only person who can carry out this service in this manner. In the parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30), Jesus teaches this magnanimity to his disciples. This magnanimity demands total dedication to the activities of our mission, work and office, without impeding the responsibilities, competences and obligations of others, within the limits of our own situation. According to Jesus and St Michael Garicoits, it’s about dedicating ourselves totally to carrying out the commitments and activities of our duty as well as posible and after having done so, to recognise that we are no more than mere servants. To practice love that has no limits within the limits of our situation.

Pope Francis says that one of the temptations amongst the Church’s pastoral representation today is an unpleasant selfishness: it pushes people to need to preserve their independent space. Lay people are afraid of losing their free time; priests obsessively guard their personal time. And that way, each avoids the duty of evangelisation, considered a dangerous poison, when it is really a happy response to the love of God which fills us and makes us bear fruit. The cause of this situation is not so much an excess of activities, but rather activities undertaken with a lack of adequate motivation and a lack of the kind of spirituality that demands action and makes it desirable. (EG. 81-83). St Michael Garicoits also fought this laziness which is sometimes hidden in complaints about the realism of a situation: So, let’s dedicate ourselves to our duty, day after day, because God wants us to and in the way He wants us to. Even if tomorrow we have to change our office and method, let’s continue to dedicate ourselves, for the same reason which we cling to the office and method that we have today, ie for the sake of obedience. (DS.235).

Gaspar Fernández Pérez, scj
Superior General