Conformity to the Interior Dispositions of Jesus

We, [in performing an action], must consider the thoughts in the mind of our Lord with regard to that action, the affections of his divine heart … [and] the words of humility, gentleness, charity, patience and prudence he would say. (OOCC, III, p. 36)

Imitation of Jesus, for St. Vincent Pallotti, not only implies conformity to the external actions of Jesus, but also conformity to his interior dispositions. It is concerned not merely with the ‘how’ of Jesus’ actions, but  rather  concerned  with  the  ‘why’  of  his  actions.  In  other  words, conformity to the interior dispositions of Jesus involves a person imbibing in himself the motives and dispositions that animated those external activities in Jesus. Here, the person concentrates on the spirit that underlies the actions of Jesus. In other words, he attempts to possess the spirit of Jesus in himself. Thus, a person conforming himself to the interior dispositions attempts to have Jesus’ spirit of sacrifice, his love for suffering, his longing to do the will of the Father always, his desire for contempt rather than praise, his love of poverty, Jesus’ desire to work for the infinite glory of God and salvation of men, his spirit of prayer, his magnanimity in accepting other’s ingratitude and his spirit of forgiveness. When this happens in a person, the spirit of Jesus takes hold of his human spirit and his actions become similar to that of Jesus.

Does my imitation of Jesus involve conformity to the interior dispositions of Jesus? Do I possess the spirit of Jesus in my diverse actions of everyday life? Am I able to manifest Jesus in and through my thoughts, words and deeds?

Put on the armor of God … stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as your breastplate … hold faith as a shield … And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. (Eph. 6: 13 – 17)