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