The Uniqueness of Each Action
[I would like to] … perform each and every action as though it were the principal and the most important of all. (OOCC, X, p. 534; STA, 86)
St. Vincent Pallotti valued the importance of each action he performed, however ordinary it might be. He wanted to perform each and every action as if it were the most important of all the actions he was expected to do in a given situation. He believed that though an action was ordinary, if performed with deep interest and the right motivation, it would produce results that would enrich the one who does the action and bring glory to God. For him, each action is unique and must be done with total attention on the part of the person who does the act. No action should be done with indifference. A lukewarm and half-hearted attitude in performing an action only destroys the total purpose of that action. Nor must one consider an action as ordinary and useless. Strictly speaking, no action is ordinary and useless because every action if done well would produce good fruit. Hence, if a person plans the performance of an action with reflection and thoughtfulness, and gives his total attention in actually doing the action, though the action is ordinary, it would be meritorious and produce much benefit. It is St. Vincent’s perception of each action as unique and important, and as deserving of one’s total attention at its performance, that has made him a great achiever for God and his people.
Do I believe that each action is important and unique in the sight of God? Do I believe that every action is capable of bringing great good, if done well? Do I perform my everyday actions with genuine interest and the right motivation? Am I lukewarm and casual in executing an action?
I know you well – you are neither hot nor cold; I wish you were one or the other! But since you are merely lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth. (Rev. 3: 15-16)