Called to be Less than a Slave

The other day a good friend of the community was married. Actually, two good friends married each other, and several other friends were in attendance. After the beautiful Mass we were all outside pondering what to do in the time before the reception.

Like all good sons and daughters of St. Maximilian, it didn't take long for them to begin talking about God's providence, the Immaculata's care, and our evangelizing efforts. We began to talk about the total consecration... and the difference between a slave and an instrument.

"St. Maximilian doesn't say we are slaves. That's Louis de Montfort, right?.....the reason people where chain bracelets."

"No, St. Max says we are even less than slaves."

"LESS THAN THAT! WHAT? (the surprise was surprising)  Less than a slave. Oh man.....are you serious?"

"Of course I'm serious. He didn't want us to be slaves, because slaves keep their free-will. They can do all that the Master says and in their heart of hearts refuse to submit. That's why he says instrument: they have no will to get in the way. That's how it should be for us.... Our will should be so surrendered that it never gets in the way."

"Yeah. Yeah. I know. But, I never thought of it like that: less than a slave!"

"C'mon. When the Lord is your Master you can be a slaved and you can be used by Him. You can be used to such an extent that it is as if you have no will of your own."

"True. True. But, I'm HUMAN."

"I promise you. God knows you are human, and by His Incarnation has given you incredible dignity. That's just it, only when we surrender entirely to our Creator will we be able to live a truly dignified life.... because only the Creator knows what that looks like for each of us."

"Alright.... alright.... now you're getting on philosophical on me. That's cool. Ready to go?"

"Sure. Let's go."

US ON FACEBOOK FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A BOOK! 
"KEY TO A HAPPY LIFE" published only by Immaculata Press.

Jesus hung out with sinners, why can't I? (or should I?)

Some people find themselves in a dilemma when they are trying to pull away from a lifestyle that was threatening to pull them down away from the Lord, and yet they know and love those that they use to call "family."  Friends are important, but they don't always think like us and love the things we love. How do we draw the line between "hanging out with sinners" like Jesus, and protecting our own call to holiness?

First of all, we must remember that we are not perfect, but we are called to be perfect. This makes the presented dilemma totally legitimate. So, here are few guidelines you might find useful for yourself or your child when deciding to "go or not to go." 

1. Pray. Before Jesus went into public ministry, he always prayed. After spending a lot of time with people, he prayed. Personally I'm convinced that with his friends he also prayed. I'm sure Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Jesus prayed often. Before you go out and when you come home - pray. Something simple. Something honest. 

2. Lean on someone. You don't need a whole bunch, but a few - absolutely. When you want to go out, but you have your doubts (especially after prayer) whether it is good for your soul - call one of these people up and do something with them. Stay busy, enjoy yourself, be creative. Jesus went to the homes of sinners, but those who refused to convert - he always loved, was never mean - but he spent his free time with the likes of the apostles and Mary and Martha. 

3. Admit. Let your friends know why you aren't going, and admit it to yourself. You may be surprised when the others change their mind. Jesus was no softy. He said what needed to be said, always with the intention of doing the Will of his Father and helping the others to see the truth. Sometimes the other caved, sometimes they went away stubbornly.

4. Charity above all Else. Sometimes we are called into tough or uncomfortable situations. Or maybe we find ourselves in a place that is a lot of fun -but a temptation. Well, repeat steps 1 to 3. Still there - check your motivation and love. Jesus was with the sinner - because it is the sinner that needs him. He was there to bring love and to respect their dignity - the tax-collector, prostitute, adulterer, pharisee, etc. He wasn't there to have fun (simply) or to forget his cares or deny his purpose and mission.

5. Pray. Lean on someone. Admit. Charity above all Else. Place yourself in the hands of God.