Reactivity, Proactivity & Judgement

January 28th, 2024

Chapter 1: Reactivity

How often do we react? Most of the time. Reactions are a fundamental part of our daily experience, but the critical question we must ask ourselves is: Are these reactions externally or internally driven? This introspection aligns with the teachings of the Catholic faith, where discernment and reflection are encouraged.

When reactions are externally driven, it's essential to understand the source. What triggered the reaction? Was it excitement, anger, frustration, or impatience? The nature of our reactions not only reflects our emotional state but also our spiritual well-being. The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church teaches us about the fruits of the Holy Spirit, among which are peace, patience, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These virtues are antidotes to negative reactivity.

Living in a constant state of reactivity is akin to working in a reactive environment, such as an office where decisions are made hastily and under pressure. This way of life can lead to burnout, with "hair-on-fire" moments dictating priorities. More significantly, it can cause individuals to stray from their core values and ideals.

Reflecting on the wisdom of the saints, we find guidance in their teachings. Saint Thomas Aquinas, a revered theologian and philosopher, notably said, "Fear is such a powerful emotion for humans that when we allow it to take us over, it drives compassion right out of our hearts." This insight resonates with our discussion on reactivity. Fear, a common driver of negative reactions, can overshadow our better judgment and virtues. It can lead even the best among us to act against our principles and the teachings of Christ.

In conclusion, understanding the nature and source of our reactions is crucial in our spiritual journey. By aligning ourselves with the teachings of the Holy Spirit and reflecting on the wisdom of the saints, we can cultivate a more mindful and virtuous approach to life, one that embraces patience, peace, and self-control, and keeps us true to our faith and ideals.

Chapter 2: Proactivity

Proactivity in the workplace is often a challenging concept to promote. In a setting where immediate needs dominate, planning ahead can seem like a secondary concern. Especially in industries like technology, where communication with leadership can be difficult, proactive initiatives are frequently overlooked until they are proven effective through documentation and time. From my personal experience, it often takes one or two successful instances to demonstrate the value of proactivity in a professional context.

In the realm of faith, this concept of proactivity takes on a deeper meaning. The apostles, as depicted in the Bible, exemplify proactive faith. They immediately left everything to follow Jesus when called, as illustrated in Matthew 4:19-20. However, it’s worth noting that their decision to follow Christ may have been facilitated by their existing proactive nature in their faith. The apostles, already engaged in spiritual practices and seeking God, were prepared for Jesus’ call, which may have made them less hesitant to leave their nets and follow him.

This readiness and willingness to serve highlight the essence of proactive faith. It’s not just about making quick decisions; it’s about being prepared to discern longer-term commitments and engage in practices like regular confession before the weight of guilt or repercussions becomes overwhelming. Proactive faith involves actively seeking ways to deepen one’s relationship with God and serve others.

God’s mercy extends in a special way to those who are proactive in their faith. Such individuals demonstrate the meekness and obedience that God seeks, glorifying Him through their actions. Proactivity in faith means not just waiting for spiritual growth to happen but actively seeking and embracing it.

In essence, proactivity in both our professional and spiritual lives involves foresight, commitment, and a readiness to act on what we discern to be good. Just as proactivity can lead to success and recognition in the workplace, so too can it lead to a deeper, more fulfilling spiritual life, characterized by a closer relationship with God and a greater alignment with His will. .

Chapter 3: Judgment

In the journey of faith, the transition from reacting to proactively surrendering our thoughts and decisions to God marks a significant spiritual maturity. Choosing to maintain faith not just in times of need, such as during harm or suffering, but in every moment of daily life, leads to a reduction in suffering, anxiety, and stress, and an increase in perseverance.

Judgment is an integral aspect of this journey. Human nature often leads us to judge others based on outward appearances. In contrast, God's judgment is profoundly different. He looks at the heart and intent, understanding our deepest motivations. God sees our hesitations, our missed opportunities for service, and the choices we make in favor of convenience over commitment to Him.

For example, when we choose to watch a 15-minute video on YouTube instead of dedicating that time to serve God, He is aware of this choice. Similarly, when someone hesitates to join the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) despite feeling drawn to Catholicism, they may later regret not pursuing their faith sooner. These moments of hesitation and indecision do not escape God's notice.

God's judgment is not merely a final assessment at the end of life; He judges us continually, like a loving father, attentive to each decision and action. He observes how we react, proact, and prepare ourselves and others for heaven. This constant presence of God in our lives calls us to reflect on our responses to His will. How do we react when we are not obedient? How do we respond when we choose not to proactively seek His calling?

The answers to these questions are profound and can only be fully understood through the grace of God. If we are fortunate enough to find ourselves with Him in the end, we will comprehend the depth of His judgment and mercy. However, it is not fruitful to dwell excessively on these contemplations without taking proactive steps in our faith journey.

Ultimately, our response to God's call should be one of proactive commitment, seeking to align our hearts and actions with His will. This proactive approach to faith is a path to deeper understanding, peace, and a closer relationship with God. It is a journey that requires constant reflection, discernment, and a willingness to act in accordance with God's divine plan for us.