It is more difficult to be kind within the community than to be thoughtful and attentive to strangers. That may seem to be an anomaly; it is a psychological reality, a fact confirmed every day.
Living elbow to elbow with the same people, we easily discover their weaknesses. With strangers we maintain a certain decorum; in our habitual surroundings we relax a little and are less restrained.
Many young girls are unbearable at home but very sweet and agreeable in company.
We must not forget that our real duty demands rather the contrary: friendliness first of all to our associates, and then to our more distant neighbors who have less right to our attention; such is, at least, the just order of charity.
If these intimate associates comprise not merely a natural family, but a spiritual family of souls much loved by God, which is the case with religious communities, with what attentions should we not surround them? Assuredly, the fact that one is dedicated to God, consecrated, does not of itself eliminate annoying habits, and faults. That would be too easy. What need would there be for patience and fraternal charity? The spirit of Faith which animates us should lead us to discover what makes each other pleasing to God; the spirit of charity should make us forget or, at least, not concentrate too much on what is humanly displeasing.
Consummata says that in all her retreats she made one resolution and no other: to be loving. We would do well, perhaps, to imitate her.
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Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
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