On Sensitiveness by Cardinal Antonio Bacci

A single severe glance from our employer or superior is enough to make us anxious. If it is accompanied by a word of rebuke we are thoroughly upset. Why should this be so? It is because we are lacking in the fundamental virtue of humility. We want to keep up appearances and to be held in high regard. If we are frustrated in this ambition, we suffer inwardly. All this is quite natural, but on this natural foundation we must build the virtue of humility and the desire to serve God alone. If we possess this virtue, we shall continue to be sensitive to insults and humiliations, but our suffering will be sanctified and will be meritorious in the sight of God.

 

We are all pleased when we are praised by others and are hurt when we are criticised, because our natural inclinations are never destroyed. Our sensitivity, however, can be moderated and brought under the control of right reason, whose guide should be the rule of virtue. It is worth reflecting on what the Imitation of Christ has to say in this regard.

 

"Peace is not in the heart of the carnal man, nor in the man who is devoted to outward things, but in the fervent and spiritual man" (Bk. 1, ch. 6). "Continual peace dwells with the humble, but in the heart of the proud is frequent envy and indignation" (Bk. 1, ch. 7, v. 3).

 

Our wounded feelings sometimes give rise to an external explosion in the form of bitter and offensive remarks. These always create disharmony and have various unfortunate after-effects. It is fatal to lose control over ourselves. A man who has surrendered to anger and resentment does not weigh his words. When the fit has passed, he is left with a sense of humiliation because of his lack of moderation and must suffer the consequences both before God and before his fellowmen in his domestic and social environment.  "Let anger be foreign to us",said Cicero, "for an angry man is incapable of acting correctly or prudently. Anything which is done in a state of agitation cannot be done properly nor can it meet with the approval of the bystanders" (De Officiis, I, 38). Let us meditate also on this apt quotation from Sacred Scripture: "An ill-tempered man stirs up strife, but a patient man allays discord" (Prov. 15:18).

 

Let us then resolve:

 

1.	Never to speak or make a decision in a moment of anger.
2.	To wait until we have regained self-control and serenity before we make any statement or perform any action.
3.	Never to be disturbed by the unpleasant remarks or behaviour of others in our regard.

 

Considering that the Saints actually looked for humiliations and penances, the least we should do is accept those God sends us and offer them to Him.