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“If the work of our sanctification presents us with difficulties that appear insurmountable, it is because we do not look at it in the right way. In reality, holiness consists in one thing alone, namely, fidelity to God's plan. And this fidelity is equally within everyone's capacity in both its active and passive exercise.”
Jean-Pierre de Caussade in his book "Abandonment to Divine Providence," speaks about "the work of our sanctification." In doing so, he is not referring to an approach or process as a way to 'garner holiness' or to somehow embellish ourselves with 'more grace.' Nor is he speaking of a way to somehow merit heaven on our own doing or according to our own personal whims. Rather, he refers to those things God sets before us and those things which God allows to be set before us. Such things are in reality opportunities to constantly turn to God while asking Him to walk with us and assist us. Such opportunities are God's omnipotent and infallible touch which become advantageous for our growth in faith, holiness and to be drawn closer to God.
More often than not we see this 'opportunities' as hurtles and obstacles, in our journey in faith towards God. We must remember that the reality God operates in, is very much different than our mere human perceptions, which can deceive in many ways. Instead God can use these to mold and fashion our being to become more Christ like. He uses these opportunities as a a way to refine us and draw us closer to Him. If we let Him!
Allowing ourselves to be drawn close to God is part of what is meant to follow "God's plan" (His will). We do this in all of our actions regardless as to whether they seem mundane or challenging, significant or least significant, joyful or sorrowful, glorious or repentant.
The 'Fidelity' Caussade indicates is a consistent faithfulness or a returning to a faithful willingness to follow God and see this as part of God's plan. Even though we have very little comprehension as to what or how God will use certain experiences. Such faithfulness is equally dispensed and made available to Christ's members through the sacraments. Therefore such attainability holds true for all individuals whether they be termed as "Great Saints," lesser saints who may seem of small or non-existent notoriety, and even sinners. All are equal in the eyes of God for the dispensing of His grace. He sets His will before all for the sake of refining the soul and repentance.
Fidelity can be said to operate in the difference on how Gods grace is utilized by any particular individual. Jesus points this out in the "Parable of the Talents." It does not matter whether we receive 10,00 talents, 5,00 talents or 1,00 talents. It is that we submit to utilize whatever grace God has bestowed on us. This is done throughout any given day in the great and small things we do. This is made evident through actions and attitudes, prayers and supplications, moans, groans and laughter.
To consistently act or return to act within God's plan with fidelity, involves love. We are to acknowledge God's love and mercy He has granted to ourselves. We then return that love to God not only with prayer and worship, but in how we treat our neighbor with charity and mercy. A love for God is also sown in the attitude we use when approaching any task whether it be a preferred task or one less favorable. This is how, as Caussade puts it, "fidelity is equally within everyone's capacity in both its active and passive exercise."
Marcus J. Tamayo
“The duties of each moment are the shadows beneath which hides the divine operation.”
― Jean-Pierre de Caussade, Abandonment to Divine Providence
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