Strange as it may seem, disinterestedness is indeed a virtue—we see it shining forth in all the actions of Our Lord and His Mother.
Through this virtue, we seek the glory of God tirelessly, with no thought of ourselves or even the outcome of our efforts. Disinterestedness acknowledges that we accomplish things only through the grace of God and for His glory. St. Louis de Montfort says it is the distinguishing virtue of people who truly love the Blessed Mother, praying to her from devotion and not just to get something from her.
It’s a tough virtue to cultivate. We like to see results and draw up tallies of “this thing accomplished” or “these things gained.” We are joyful when we feel that our efforts have paid off and depressed when our efforts seem to come to nothing.
Disinterestedness rises above all that. It is the ultimate detachment from self-reliance and self-gratification. The disinterested soul does all things for God and places all results in His hands.
Think of the wedding feast at Cana. The wine runs out; the Blessed Mother tells her Son; He replies with what seems like a gentle rebuff; but then He transforms the water into wine.
The Blessed Mother is not distressed by the reply she meets with, nor does she try again, pleading with her Son. She simply turns to the servants and says, “Do whatever He tells you,” displaying her complete trust in her Son and her disinterestedness in the outcome of her prayer. Our Lord, in the meantime, grants her prayer more abundantly than she asked of Him. And when the chief steward praises the bridegroom for his wine, neither Our Lord nor His Mother come forward with a cough and say, “You’re welcome.”
In a time where a predominant slogan tells us to demand the luxury and acclaim that we “deserve,” imitating Our Lord and His Mother in disinterestedness is more important than ever. Throughout our day, let us remember the motto of St. Ignatius of Loyola—Ad majorem Dei gloriam (For the greater glory of God)!
Disinterestedness is just one of a whole stash of quiet, everyday virtues. Written by a Jesuit priest, Uncommon Virtue introduces many more, such as gratitude, pity for the afflicted, even good use of time. These are the virtues that help us live truly Christian lives. Through engaging stories from the lives of holy men and women, grow acquainted with these virtues and learn how to spot opportunities for cultivating them. An excellent book for the entire household! Get your copy today from The Catholic Company!
