rubbing off.
“You’re kindness is kind of rubbing off on me..”
This compliment was given to me moments after I read the words from St. Teresa of Avila’s The Interior Castle, she explains,
“…she saw how none of our good deeds has its principle from ourselves but from this fount in which the tree, symbolizing our souls, is planted and from this sun that gives warmth to our works.” “…that in doing something good, or seeing it done, she gave heed to the source and understood how without this help we could do nothing. As a result she would begin immediately to praise God and usually not think of herself in any good thing that she did.”
We are always challenged by the way we receive gifts, or even compliments. Do we take the, what we think is the, “humble” route and excuse it… “No, not me!?”… Do we take the subdued route… “Oh! Wow, thank you!”..
When it comes to the fruits of your work, our exterior response has little to do with its (the fruits, like a compliment) soulful impact. How we receive these graces can be deliberate practices towards sanctity. We must understand that we do not do good works by our own will, but by the graces of our Lord, Jesus. It is because of His love dwelling within our hearts that we are able to carry out His works, His love, into the world. And ultimately, rub off on to others.
“Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
So, let us respond with this in mind. Let us respond as the holy women who came before us like Mary and Saint Teresa of Avila. Let us respond like JESUS. With every good work let us lift up the glory to the Lord. Thank You Jesus for choosing us (see John 15:16). Thank You for anointing our hands and feet to do Your mighty works. Blessed be Your name, the One who remains in our souls and shares the light of His face into the world (see Psalms 80). It is through this light that we rub off on our neighbors, and may we always remember the source.
May we respond internally. This is where we remain and grow, rooted in His love (see Eph 3:17).
Has someone ever rubbed off on you? They say the more you spend time with someone, the more you begin to act like them. This reality can be a good and bad thing. This reality can be challenging, confusing, and it can be heartbreaking when the people you surround yourself with begin to darken your heart.
The more time we spend with Jesus, the more He will rub off on us. The more we read His Word and learn about His heart, with His grace, our hearts will begin to mirror His. The closer we become to loving with the heart of Jesus, the more equipped we will be to discern the people we should surround ourselves with. I know what you are thinking. We can’t always control the people we spend the most time with. Yes, this is true. These are the challenging relationships Jesus has called you into. These are the places He is calling you to rub off in His love. On the contrary, the relationships we choose to surround ourselves with are our decision to make. Do the people you spend the most time with, the relationships you choose each day, rub off on you in the way Jesus rubs off on you? Do your closest branches bring you closer to Christ? Does your flock aid you in your walk to heaven? Or are you being led astray?
“He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.” John 15:2
The discernment of friendship is important. The most important friendship is the relationship you foster with Jesus. From this friendship, discernment will be given to you and He will lead you on the path of purity (see John 15:16). Pruning our relationships is the work of the Lord. Let Him tend to your vineyard. Trust that as He removes branches, He is making space for bountiful fruits. Trust that in the growing pains, He will nurture you and your relationships to health. Trust that the new branches will bring you to life and help you to grow abundantly. Friendship is a powerful love on our journey to Heaven. We are capable of helping our flock succeed in the journey.
I pray you spend the most time with the Father, that He rubs off on your heart and is the source of your works. From the the love He pours out of you, let it inspire your obedience as you share it with the people you encounter. In these works, let the fruits fill you with praise and thanksgiving to the One it belongs. May the Lord prune your relationships to purify your soul. In return, I pray He gives you an abundance of fruitful friendships that bring you closer to holiness. In the growing pains, in the pruning, let Him comfort you with His company and the hope of future relationships to come.
x courtney.
