THE PRACTICE OF FRATERNAL CHARITY (FATHER FABER)
1. OFTEN reflect on some good point in each of your brethren.
2. Reflect on the opposite faults in yourself.
3. Do this most in the case of those whom we are most inclined to criticize.
4. Never claim rights or even let ourselves feel that we have them, as this spirit is most fatal both to obedience and charity.
5. Charitable thoughts are the only security of charitable deeds and words. They save us from surprises, especially from surprises of temper.
6. Never have an aversion for another, much less manifest it.
7. Avoid particular friendships.
8. Never judge another. Always, if possible, excuse the faults we see, and if we cannot excuse the action, excuse the intention. We cannot all think alike, and we should, therefore, avoid attributing bad motives to others.
CHARITABLE RELIGIOUS
They have a disregard of self and a desire to accommodate others. They rejoice with their companions in their joys and recreations, and grieve with them in their afflictions.
They try to bring all the good they can to the community and to avert all the evil. They begin with themselves, by being as little trouble as possible to others.
With great charity and affability they bear with the faults and shortcomings of others, careful to fulfil the law of Christ, which tells us to bear one another's burdens.
They dispense to others what they have for their own advantage; more particularly do they give spiritual assistance by prayer and the other spiritual works of mercy.
They never contradict anyone. They never speak against anyone. They are convinced that charity, holy friendships, and concord form the great solace of this life, and that no good ever came from dissensions and disputes.
They consider that God is ever in the midst of those who live united together by the bonds of holy love.
We will do likewise if we consider the image of God in the souls of our brethren. As we form one body here and one spirit in the same faith and charity, let us hope not to be separated hereafter, but to belong for ever to that one body in heaven when faith and hope shall disappear, but where charity alone shall remain, and remain for ever.
R. & T. Washbourne, Ltd., 1, 2 & 4 Paternoster Row