Duty of Those under Authority
All must cooperate in the undertaking of the pious Society out of pure charity, without any interest and without ambition. (OOCC, I, p. 106)
St. Vincent had a word of advice for those who are under authority. He wanted them to cooperate with those in authority in accomplishing the various tasks out of pure charity without any interest and ambition. First, they must cooperate out of pure charity. In accomplishing all the tasks with which they are entrusted, they must be guided by the pure motive of love of God and neighbor. In other words, the glory of God and the happiness of the people whom they are serving must be the purpose behind all they do. Second, they must cooperate without any interest. The phrase “without any interest” means that it is done without any personal interest of the one who is doing the task. In other words, the primary objective of the action should be for the good of the person for whom the action is done and not for the person who is doing the act. The action should be more other-centered rather than self-centered. Third, they must cooperate without ambition. Placing one’s ambitious plans in the works of charity they undertake can vitiate the whole purpose of the work of charity. As a result, every effort made in this manner would not serve the purpose of accomplishing the goal of the work of charity. When a good work is undertaken with these motives in mind, it would bear fruit for the people for whom it is done, bring true joy to the one who is doing the task, and above all manifest the infinite love and mercy of God in the world.
Do I accept the authority of those whom God has placed over me? Do I cooperate with them out of pure charity without any personal interest and ambition in accomplishing the God-given responsibility?
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is man’s all; because God will bring to judgment every work with all its hidden qualities, whether good or bad. (Eccl. 12: 13 – 14)