Vive Jésus - Viva Gesù - Live Jesus

Wary about what is frivolous

Introduction to the Devout Life
Part Three – Chapters 31-41
Friday November 10, 2006
(Cecilia, Rey, Steve, Tien, John)

Although writing to his close followers, devout women to be sure, Francis nonetheless warned them to be wary about frivolous activities and pastimes that can easily go beyond the bounds of helpful and healthful recreation. Two areas he underscores in particular: gambling and dancing. Francis considers games of chance that depend on blind luck rather than intelligent skill to be innately or intrinsically evil. Furthermore, dancing, especially ballroom dancing he considered not only a waste of time but quite possibly an occasion of sin. Perhaps he reflected the situation of his times… we would more than likely be a bit more lenient in our assessment of those pastimes today.

John O’Brien

Regarding Gambling (Chapter 32):

In Eastern Cultures, Gambling is viewed as a form of relaxation. Here in the West, many churches have "Casino Nights" or trips to an actual Casino in order to raise money. These practices are accepted in both cultures as long as participants gamble in moderation.

But Francis de Sales writes "There is no joy in gambling except for the winner. Games of dice, cards and the like in which success depends mainly on chance are not only dangerous pastimes, but they are simple and naturally evil and blameworthy." Obviously Saint Francis de Sales would not accept our view that gambling has any benefit whether for pleasure or to raise needed funds.

Steve Von Stade

Firm Resolution

Introduction to the Devout Life
Group discussion Part V
Friday December 1, 2006
(Anne, Marcel, Javier, Thien-An)

Following are a few ideas from our group discussion on the fifth and final part of the Devout Life:

1. Our group agrees that the genre and the set up of these 18 chapters are more of the renewal, recollection, and retreat. In chapter 2 we are intrigued by one of the six important points of St. Francis teaching about making a Firm Resolution. The images of “gentle attraction of the Holy Spirit” and “the cords of love and charity” which God uses to draw us as little boats toward the safe harbor are very powerful and touching. They demonstrate that God always is concerned for us. God and we have a good relationship and connection that nothing can separate. However, it is God who takes action even with our resolution. We have to put our trust and faith in His Providence.

2. We also notice that in the chapter 18, St. Francis recommends that we dedicate the first day of month to the renewal of Firm Resolutions. Why does it have to be the first day? How many of us today (1 December) have remembered to offer the first day of the month to think about the relationship between God and us? It is something challenging but we think it is necessary to have it.

3. We are also interested in the five reflections for renewal of St. Francis. Firstly, he believes that our souls are beautiful and capable of desiring and enjoying God. Secondly, we should know that only virtue and devotion can make us happy. Without them, good can become ill and pleasure can be filled with anxiety and frustration. Thirdly, we learn from the saints that after they converted, they no longer followed the old path. They persevered and kept walking in God’s love. Fourthly, we have to think how our Lord Jesus Christ has been loving us through His Passion, Cross, and Crucifixion. We can compare Jesus’ love for us with the love of an expectant mother preparing for the birth of her child. It is through His love that God brings salvation to humankind. Finally, God’s love for us is infinite. There is neither beginning nor end to God’ love for us. Realizing this, we must be ready to suffer rather than to turn away from God and His love.

Thien-An

Devotion is really about Love

Introduction to the Devout Life
Part V – Chapters 1-18
Friday December 1, 2006
Korean Language Group

1. In chapter 6: our attitude towards our neighbor.

When we think love for neighbor, we are apt to remember our favorite neighbor. Francis taught us to discern this well, call to mind certain persons whom you think are troublesome and unpleasant. If we think these persons, we can not love them. Francis said that we should practice the love God towards our neighbor. This lesson moved to us.

2. In chapter 10: “Your soul has in addition a most noble will, capable of loving God and incapable of hating him in himself.”

Most spiritual teaching had a negative attitude for human nature, Francis’ teaching, we thought, had a positive attitude for human nature. These positive Approaching to human being can challenge one’s good motive for spiritual practice. As we read this book, we felt not a guilt and shamefulness but challenge and positive motive. In chapter 11, through these positive attitudes, we can know virtue and devotion can make us happy in this world.


3. In chapter 15: “Read and sign your Firm Resolution in his presence. Finally, go and unite your renewed heart to its Source and Saviour in the most holy Sacrament of the Eucharist.”

Francis emphasized the sacrament of Eucharist according to the catholic tradition. Eucharist means to unite between human and Jesus Christ. As a protestant pastor, we think protestant church should redefined the sacrament of Eucharist because the Eucharist in the protestant church left form without meaning.


4. In chapter 17. About diligence.

Whenever we discussed this book, we often said, “This is all right, but it is very difficult for us to live like that.” As if Francis heard our talking, he gave examples of various man, who were very busy and in troubles, to us. As we read that examples, we can resolve our decision without excuses.

Jesus as the expectant mother

Introduction to the Devout Life
The Fifth Part, Chapters 1 – 18
Group 1 (John, Rey, Steve, Tien, Cecilia)

1. Five reflections for renewing our deliberate decisions
(From Chapters 10 to 14, p. 317-322).

After the exercise of the examination of conscience, St. Francis recommended five reflections as the subject of daily meditation. They are reflections on the excellence of the soul, the virtues, the examples of the saints, the love of Jesus for us and God’s eternal love for us. Central to these reflections is the reflection on Jesus’ love for us. We are struck by the use of the image of the woman preparing the cradle as a metaphor for Jesus readying the spiritual cradle for each devout soul.

2. Chapter 15, p.322

The image of the beautiful tree to represent the deliberate decisions is significant to us. It has been God who planted the seeds in our hearts and water it with his blood. Therefore, not any storm can uproot it. No vanity, no riches, no difficulties will turn us away from our resolutions.

3. Chapter 12, p.319

Learn from the examples of the saints. They were as we are. Remember what the saints did in their conditions of lives. Why can we not do as much according to our state of life for our firm resolution and holy affirmation?

4. Chapters 4 and 5, p. 310-313

The teachings on the examination of one’s state are practical and easy to follow for all states of life. There are useful reference points designed for the person seeking to live out the devout life.

5. Chapter 3, p. 309

St. Francis encouraged us to do the examination twice a day in different ways. We don’t have to do it on our knees always. We can have it while we are walking or even when we are in bed. The important thing is to make use of some time each day and night according to our possibilities.

6. Chapter 18, p. 326

It is necessary that every individual has to express his/her desire of wanting to be devout. Francis emphasized that not that you ‘are devout,’ but you ‘want to be devout.” It indicates that to be a devout person is a journey, a process. The way to live the journey out is through the ordinary and necessary actions which lead us to the love of God, the desire to frequent the Sacraments and to follow the advice of one’s spiritual director.

7. Chapter 17, p. 325

If we think that the exercises and counsels recommended by St. Francis are too many in number whoever wishes to practice them will have no time for anything else. The two kings David and St. Louis had given us a good example. They worked for the public good and did everything with great diligence. They had succeeded to fulfill their duties and at the same times, they also had sufficient time to practice the spiritual exercises.

Cecilia

Temptations and such

Introduction to the Devout Life
Part 4, Chapters 1 – 15
Friday, 17 November 2006
Group 1 (John, Rey, Steve, Tien, Cecilia)

This section contained many beneficial recommendations. During our discussion, we mentioned some of these recommendations starting with Saint Francis de Sales remedies against “Great Temptations” and “Small Temptations”.

Francis’ best remedy against temptations, whether great or small, is to open our hearts and make known our suggestions, feelings and affections to our spiritual director. Francis says that communication with our Spiritual Director and God is the best way to battle Temptation, Sin and The Devil. We need assistance when battling The Devil because he can manipulate direct conversation or actions to his benefit. Because of The Devil’s ability to do this, Francis suggestions to “just say no” to sin and not engage in any argument or discussion with The Devil. Any further communication with The Evil One would allow him to gain advantage. Saint Francis further recommends Christians should divert their minds to doing good and praiseworthy occupations to battle evil temptations or suggestions.

Later in the reading, “anxiety” is described as “the greatest evil that can befall us except sin.” Also, “You see then that sadness, justified in the beginning, begets anxiety. Anxiety in its turn increases sadness, making it extremely dangerous.” Our group never heard “anxiety” described in this way before so we asked our professor to explain and clarify Saint Francis’ original meaning. He said “The original French word that Saint Francis de Sales wrote does not mean “anxiety.” A better translation of the original word would be to use the word “agitation” or “useless fears”. This clarification brought Saint Francis de Sales recommendation about “useless fears” into perspective for us.

Overall, this section contained shorter, concise chapters than previous sections. Francis de Sales used imagery to full effect throughout the section and the directness of writing made the subject matter more accessible and understandable than some previous obtuse chapters. Our group gained greater understanding and tools for our journey in the devout life.

Live Jesus!

Steve Von Stade

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