Thought for the Day – 25 June – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
PATIENCE
Meditations for a Month
Some Motives for Patience under Contempt
- It is always foolish to complain or to be dissatisfied with that which ,of its own nature. is calculated to advance our happiness and our highest interests. Contempt is better suited, than almost anything else, to humble us, if we take it as we ought. It cannot fail to tear up the pride which is so deeply rooted in our hearts and, which is the great obstacle between us and God.
Ought we not then, to be grateful to those who do us this service?
Instead of resenting this treatment of us, we ought to thank God and pray for them as our benefactors! - When we look into ourselves, must we not acknowledge that contempt is what ought to be felt towards us?
It is the fitting disposition, the proper attitude towards one so contemptible as I am. My love of what is fitting ought to make me welcome it as the right and proper thing. I ought, not only to acquiesce in it but, to be pleased at justice being done to me.
I ought to say to myself when treated with contempt, ‘That is just and right! It is exactly the true view to take of me!’ - Above all, I ought to value contempt because it gives me a share in the humiliation of my dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
He humbled Himself even to death. He was treated with the utmost contempt and ignominy by the very creatures He had made, who owed all to Him and, on whom, He had bestowed countless benefits and lavished unmeasured love.
What can be better or happier or a greater privilege, than thus to be clad in the livery of my Lord and to be treading, all unworthy as I am, in His footsteps?
Welcomethen, contempt and ignominy, for Jesus’ sake and as giving me a share in His Divine Life!
AnaStpaul 