Page 73 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

LIFE OF SAINT GERARD MAJELLA

XV. I will do my utmost to manage that others should be spared
any occasion of annoyance.
XVI. If I should notice anyone committing a fault, I will be
careful not to correct him in the presence of others. I will speak to
him on the matter between ourselves, and in a low tone of voice.
XVII. As soon as I see a Father or Brother in any need of
assistance, I will leave all to help him, if I can do so consistently with
obedience.
XVIII. I will visit the sick, always with the necessary permission,
several times every day.
XIX. Never will I mix myself up with anyone else's business. I will
never say that anyone has done anything badly.
XX. Whenever I am told to help others in their work, I will obey
the responsible person exactly and without remark. I will never allow
myself to say that anything is not done as it should be. Still, when I
know from experience how things should be carried out, I will give
my advice, but never in the tone of a master.
XXI. When I am joined with others in discharging the duties of
the house, however trivial they may be (sweeping the corridors,
moving furniture, and the like), I will make it my rule never to be
anxious to get the best place or the best things. Conveniences I will
yield to others, taking for myself what God may leave me. Thus
everyone will be pleased, myself among the rest.
XXII. I will never put myself forward to discharge any duty, but
will wait until I am told what to do.
XXIII. In the Refectory I will not look about, unless obliged to do
so by duty or charity.
XXIV. I will take from the board at meals the plate that is nearest
to me without looking at the others.
XXV. In all my interior conflicts, I will be careful not to listen to
self-love. If anyone blames or accuses me, I will strive to make all
bitter feelings pass gently away. Then tranquillity will reign at the
bottom of my soul.
XXVI. My supreme resolution is to give myself unreservedly to
God. For this reason I will endeavour to have continually before my
eyes this motto: “Be thou deaf, blind, and mute.”
XXVII. I will not know the meaning of the words “I will” or “I
will not.” Only one thing do I desire — Thy good pleasure, O my
God, and not mine own. In me, O Lord, may Thy Will, not mine, be

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