To surround oneself with many conveniences, no matter how virtuous one might be, is to prove that one will never be penitent or perfect.
In case of illness or undue fatigue which might be detrimental to the fulfillment of the duties of one's state or charitable relations, it is not only useful but strongly advisable to ask humbly for the necessary relaxations. This would be wisdom and humility.
The danger lies in an exaggerated seeking after comfort, and an unhealthy worry over little ailments or small troubles in work. "A person can seek conveniences without on that account lacking virtue, but the excessive self-love that would grow out of it is incompatible with the spirit of poverty and perfection."
It would clash with the spirit of poverty if one demanded for the care of health or as an aid in work, any undue and unjustified expense.
It would violate the spirit of perfection, because the religious claims upon undertaking his new life, not to attach a too great importance to the well-being of the body or the comforts of life as do worldly persons. He claims to follow Our Lord to the Cross, even onto the Cross. Is it not in the moments when nature writhes and groans, that we have the best opportunity to show God that our vocation is sincere and that our renunciation is not only on paper.
But again, prudence and humility are essential. We must know how to manifest our needs and ask frankly for what would help us keep up our strength and be active in our work.
All this must be in accord with the spirit of our Institute, with absolute detachment, and the firm resolve to adhere to true religious penance, and to conform ourselves to obedience, accepting with a filial spirit what our superiors think they can grant us, and with a still deeper filial spirit the refusals they believe necessary.
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Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
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