George Matulaitis Journal

If our Congregation neglects the development of the personality of its members, it will have a faceless mob, a flock of sheep; it will be like a pile of sand with each grain scarcely differing from the other, all of them haphazardly thrown together. But then again, if we cultivate only individuals without regard to preparing them for living and working together, we will end up with a field of sticks stuck in the ground, all dried-up and unable to bloom or bear fruit. Each religious would be like a barren rock against which the waves break and fall back with a roar, a rock against which ships crash and are wrecked. Not only should we not try to eradicate the individuality of our members, their special talents, gifts, and resources, but we should even train and develop them. But, on the other hand, we must take pains to teach and form them to be docile, obedient, and self-denying so that whenever the glory of God or the welfare of the Church demands it, they will be ready to give up their talents, their dreams, and desires in order to be of service. We do not want to have a crowd of dull people who are simply led about, but neither do we want a mob of stubborn, selfish people intent on getting their own way, on pursuing their own interests and goals, with no regard for the general good or our common tasks—people going their own way and “more interested in themselves than in Jesus Christ” (Phil 2:21). Here too we must find a balanced approach—a way of reconciling personal initiative and energy with complete and wholehearted obedience and self-denial. In this instance, as in everything else, we must avoid one-sidedness. May we be filled with joy in our work, remain strong and persevering in suffering and in pursuing our goals, firm and constant in leadership. We should try to find a suitable field of work and proper occupation for each of our members, to distribute their duties fairly, but at the same time each one of us should be able to submit, to forget himself, to bend his will for the common good and higher aims. As we work at our various occupations, at becoming more proficient in our various fields, let us also be ready and willing to lend a hand wherever needed. Let us never shirk any task or chore that may serve the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls. Let us foster a productive diversity of work that is also coordinated, ordered, 86