Many in their zeal are so concerned with the good of others that they sometimes neglect themselves.
Under pretext of working for others they forget to work enough for self.
Don't reverse right order.
What folly, for example, to take time from prayer to work at class preparation, unless it be a very urgent and necessary case; or to write to someone; or to busy oneself with a task which caprice alone imposes or suggests!
How many examples are there not of these deplorable misplacements of value? Examples of it can easily be found. When one should be nourishing himself on God for his own growth, he is trying to nourish others - that is at least the excuse, apostolic reason given.
Aside from exceptional circumstances, which superiors should determine, one must put the interest of his own soul before that of others; but since the relationship with the neighbor cannot be broken, it is to the advantage of a rightly comprehended interest in others that one should first sanctify self.
Well-ordered charity begins at home and includes other - whether one is in the active or contemplative life. Precisely because the salvation of souls is one of the greatest objectives, whether one is vowed to the apostolate of work, of prayer, or of sacrifice, the soul must never forget that in order to do one must be. A soul will do good in the measure that it is an instrument for good. The problem of the betterment of the world lies above all in the betterment of self.
I will order my charity and my apostolic power wisely and according to God's will. I will be myself the first person to whom I do good.
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Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
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