Marco reminds me of a very important principle in the Spiritual Life which I have always tried to live by. Which is this. What ever you do in life, even the smallest things , try to do them to perfection. So whatever I do, taking care of the dogs. Housework. Taking care of the car. My job. Whatever. I always try to so these things to perfection. This is a very great Penance. But a very great good. Always try to excel. It makes no difference whatsoever if it should not be noticed. Or even if it appears that God Himself never notices. Do it anyway. Without being obsessive. Try to all things perfectly. Strive to be the best at what you do. No matter how humble. Housework. Taking care of dogs. Cooking. Your work. Attending mass. Whatever. Be the best of yourself. Be the best you can ever possibly be. Offer these efforts to God. The perfect Penance and Aschesia The Road of the Desert Fathers.
It does not least make any difference if you succeed. The important thing is that you tried. ..and that your efforts are aimed at pleasing God and God alone. This is perfect Asceticism. This is the Way of the Desert Fathers. Always aim to be the best that you can be in all you do. Always aim to do better. I constantly, constantly fail for instance in bread making. Nevertheless I go back and try to do better. I am constantly trying to be the best that I can. For God and God alone
