Principles and Practices - February 20

Right Indifference

'Indifference,' or, say, 'Impartiality,' in the use of creatures means, not being unin­terested, but being disinterested. A person uninterested is also uninteresting and a failure in life. It is well to be keenly interested in and to work with zest at the things proper to your calling. At the same time be disinterested, and seek not yourself and your own mere gratification in them.

Sit lightly to creatures, and as you use them, or enjoy them, be ever ready to forgo them for God. This is 'detachment,' this is 'poverty of spirit,' this is 'liberty of spirit,' this is 'purity of heart.'

-J. Rickaby, S.J.
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From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930