The Sanctification of Our Actions.
“He hath done all things well.” — St. Matt. 7:37.
TWENTY-FIRST DAY.
One of the great obstacles to the well doing of our actions is that while we do one thing we think of another that we have done or that we are yet to do. The manner of doing each action will is to give attention only to the one we are actually performing, doing it as perfectly as we can, and when it is done think no more of it, lest it prevent us from occupying ourselves well with what we have on hand. — John of Avila.
Age quod agis, “What thou doest do with all thy heart,” said a servant of God during all his occupations. “Do it in a manner agreeable to God. It may be the last action thou wilt perform. This action ought to have great results.”
Another said to himself during his work: “We are here to labor; we must, then, labor.” While he performed works of charity, he would say: “I ought to have no other desire than to implant love of God and of my neighbor in all hearts.” During prayer he said: “I am here but to pray.”
A holy religious, whose Superior had given her charge of different occupations, acquitted herself perfectly of all, by saying during the time occupied with each one: “I am at present only sacristan; I am now only a portress; I am now housekeeper,” etc., etc.
Prayer.
My God, I will give myself entirely to what I am doing, in order that I may do it well, thinking that Thou askest only that action, and that perhaps it may be the last I shall perform.