When we dwell in God's presence…

Introduction to the Devout Life
Part II, Chapters 10-21
Group 2 - Korean Language Group
(Jung Seung-Ku, JS Kim Jong-Soo, Michael Lee Chun-Seob, Oh Kwang-Cheol)
13 October 2006

Reading the Introduction to Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, we see a sort of similarity between Jesus’ style of preaching as presented in the Gospel and Francis’ style of writing – the use of parables or metaphors. With the use of metaphors, many times drawn from realities and processes in nature, St. Francis helps us appreciate what spiritual life is about and understand concepts like prayer, sacraments, and communion of Saints in a practical way.

In the second part of the Philothea, chapter 10-21, St. Francis de Sales stresses on nurturing a kind of “spiritual sensitivity” or “spiritual sense”, i.e., a sense or awareness of God’s presence, creativity and providence. The purpose of prayer and sacramental life is to develop this “spiritual sense” in our daily life. However, prayer and the awareness of God’s presence should lead to practical resolutions, i.e., prayer and reflection must be fruitful, operative and practical in one’s daily life (prayer and praxis)

Philothea or the Introduction to the Devout Life is a simple book that speaks to us, making us reflect and repent, i.e., desire to renew our life. In this sense, it should not be read only with the mind. It must be read with the heart.

Michael