George Matulaitis Journal

Monsignor Sapieha’s, but did not find him at home. On my way back and afterwards, I kept thinking why it is that I have run into so many difficulties ever since the day I decided to follow the Lord Jesus in poverty, humiliation, obedience, hard work, and so on. Before, when I was on my own, no one ever offered me honorable and influential positions or tried to pressure me. But now, more and more often they present me with new proposals and such in which one could truly work for the greater glory of God. As a result, I must consider my decision very carefully. For some time now, I have made it my rule of life that in such instances I will choose Christ’s lot—His life of abjection, poverty, hardship, and labor. That is the surest way. I am determined and absolutely resolved to reject all these proposals. Without betraying my inner conviction, I sought Father Grum’s advice. I had hoped that he would support my posi- tion, and it surprised me that he should try to persuade me that, after a year or two, when I had put my affairs in order, I should become bishop or move to Rome to represent ecclesial matters. I heard him out and agreed that, in principle, nothing should be rejected outright, but that one needs to seek the greater glory of God in all things. In my heart I was certain that, first of all, I ought to make every effort to foster the growth and development of our Congregation and not be sidetracked. Besides, I was not happy that any member of our Congregation should be mixed up in politics or diplomacy. My ideal is that we should be good workers in the Lord’s vineyard, not politicians. Deep within, my spirit prompted me to disregard Monsignor Sapieha’s and Father Grum’s arguments and to continue the work we have begun, to follow the poor, humble, hardworking Christ, to keep walking along the path of peaceful and quiet labor. It is not right for us to get involved in diplomacy or high places where decisions are made, even about the fate of bishops. Rather, we ought to be the bishops’ servants. Nevertheless, I resolved to seek more light in prayer the next day. November 28 In the streetcar I met Father Ledóchowski. I mentioned Monsignor Sapieha’s proposal, about which Monsignor, it seems, had already spoken with him. Father said to me: “Age quod agis” (“Do what you are doing”). 114