Thought for the Day – 4 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Holy Indifference
“That is not indifference towards what is good or towards God.
That kind of indifference, is the apathy and negligence which distracts us from striving to reach our final end, by advancing in sanctity.
The holy indifference which we should all have, or endeavour to have, is described by St Ignatius in his book on the Spiritual Exercises.
It is a virtue, which renders us indifferent towards all creatues because, we see them only as means which will help or hinder us on the path to sanctity.
Therefore, we must be indifferent towards sickness and health.
“Grant to me, O Lord,” we should pray, “that which pleases You most.
Perhaps You know, that health could be a grave danger to me, that it could lead me into offending You, or that, at least, it could make me too attached to the things of this world.
If this is so, send me whatever illness You will.
I will accept them from Your hands, as a gift of Your mercy and goodness and I will try to sanctify myself by means of them.
Nature rebels at this thought, yet, I must not listen to the promptings of nature but, to the inspirations of grace.
On the other hand, You may see, that my good health would add to Your glory and help me to grow in sanctity and to be useful in the Apostolate.
Grant health to me, if it is Your will to do so.
I will accept it from Your hands and I will use it, solely for Your glory.”
A man who is capable of such high spirituality, will not be shaken by the fury of human passion but, will remain always calm and attentive to the demands of grace.
He will surrender himself completely to the will of God, in all the circumstances of his life.”
Antonio Cardinal Bacci
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