George Matulaitis Journal

Let him advance toward our common goal with patience and persever- ance without succumbing to any fear of danger or becoming disheartened in the face of obstacles and difficulties. February 3 Today we were finally able to make our monthly day of recollection. We just could not find the time. This past month was full of distractions— so many things to attend to and so many worries. I sincerely thank God for everything. May His holy will be done in all things and may everything be for His greater glory. After all, if I accept graces so willingly from His fatherly hands, why should I not accept crosses and cares as well? My resolution for this month remains the same: to deny myself more and more so that I may unite myself with the Lord God more completely. February 5 A superior should be very careful not to yield to the wishes and requests of influential people when there is no real need to do so. One person may wish to direct a certain house or the whole Congregation one way, while another may steer it in another direction. One may suggest, or want to impose, a certain field of work, while another may press for taking up something else. One may request a religious for a cer- tain task, while another wants someone else, and so on. If a superior- should give in too easily when there is no real need, very soon outsiders with the best of intentions can cause chaos in a house and involve it in work that has not been decided upon and may prove too burdensome. He should be able, therefore, to hold his own and to keep to his own course of action. There will always be plenty to do, and we will never lack work, if only we have suitable people to do it. In choosing our work and assignments we should keep in mind not so much what various people have requested as what will bring more glory to God and meet the needs of the Church and of souls. We must also keep in mind the gifts and qualifications of our members. Whenever it is evident that a religious is doing well in some field of work and that his 72