“Work is neither arduous nor difficult when one can see the great fruits, payments or appreciation that results from this work. Nobody admires the work of the labourer because it can be seen that his work is rewarded by the fruits of the field or the vineyard, but on the other hand to work without usefulness, reward or payment, not to mention ingratitude, and nonetheless to work with dedication, tirelessly and constantly to highlight the work, this requires a heroic Christian. It is one of these souls who, although they live in the world, do not look for anything in the world and all their work has no other purpose than to do the will of God.”

(El amante de Jesucristo. Barcelona 1848, p.106).

WORK TIRELESSLY

Where better to consider the ultimate motivation of Claret’s life, which explains his relentless missionary work, than that which has come to be called ‘Apostolic Prayer.’

It was in the ‘Purposes’ of 1862 when he wrote it for the first time and then in his autobiography. (no. 233) I will ask the Lord, “may I know you and make you known; love you and make you loved; serve you and make you served;” (AEC p 698)

The Lord’s help is needed to work tirelessly and free of charge so he asks for it. We don’t all have Claret’s diligent temperament, but we all receive the gift of commitment to our own mission, unconditionally. For this it is necessary first of all to know God; knowing Him it is possible to love him; and loving Him it will be easy to serve Him. It is not about doing but letting him move us.

Looking at ‘ Intentions’ that Claret  made in 1857, for example, we can understand what his work was at that stage of his stay in Madrid: “We will often visit the hospitals, prisons, and other homes and charitable establishments and we will give them what spiritual and corporeal help that we can. I will do the best that I can for the churchmen through spiritual and literary conferences: giving them books, etc…” ( AEC p 682) It is as a servant of Christ: doing only what the master wants. The good servants do not expect other rewards than the pleasure that they give their Lord.

From this perspective, it is not difficult to overcome the moments of discouragement that sometimes befall us.  It is enough to think that, although nothing will remain without reward, the greatest reward is to have served such a great Lord, from whom we have received everything we are and have.  In the end to work for him is, in some way, to return something of all that we have received from him.