Avoiding the Spirit of Criticism

It is with the moral infirmities we may see in one another- our defects of character or temperament, our faults, our failings- that I think we should try to be watchful to exercise charity in thought, word, and deed.

It is so easy and so natural to criticize; yet we cannot do so even interiorly without detriment to our soul. Such thoughts consented to, certainly retard our progress in the perfection of charity, if they do not offend God. And surely the aim of a Carmelite should be higher than to merely keep from offending God. Were we careful to live always that deep interior life that is our obligation as well as our privilege, we would realize that everyone has a right to the most delicate charity from us, and that it is a duty for each to have it for all. Let us try to bring a practical charity into our least relations with one another, never permitting the smallest criticism and always putting a charitable interpretation on the actions of others.

Let us cultivate the habit of thinking kindly of everyone and regarding as a temptation any impulse that would lead us ever to dwell upon the actions of others unless duty demands it of us, and as a greater temptation any impulse to correct them or mention them to another.

If we are watchful over our thoughts in relation to charity, our words will more easily take on a kindly tone. When our work brings us in contact with others, let us always show them the spirit of humility, respect, and deference that charity calls for, whether the persons we work with are older or younger, or in a higher or lower position that we are.

It is with this same delicate charity we should speak of one another if persons happen to to be the subject of our conversation either private or general, and this is only possible when our own spirit is being guided by the Holy Spirit Whose light would cause us to see our neighbor 'in the Sacred [Heart] of the Savior,' as St. Francis de Sales says. To be faithful to this charity means the practice of much self-denial. It will be to give place to that Spirit Who is all charity, Whose fruits are peace, joy and holiness.

~Fragrance from Alabaster by Mother Aloysius of the Blessed Sacrament, OCD