Importance of lived-experience and an active response

Introduction to the Devout Life
Part IV
English-Speaking Group
Orlando, Rozario, John

We have seen in our small group the practicality and concreteness of St. Francis’ teachings. More than the speculative and theoretical guidelines which are also necessary of the spiritual growth he faithfully emphasizes the active experience and living out to the full the human and divine virtues characterized by every devout longing for Christian perfection.

• St. Francis suggests putting no words on criticism or things around us which impede our focus to the higher values. Similar to a sunflower which is enamored to the beauty of the sun and keeps on looking whatever it takes. Spiritual life is also fixing our vision to what is positive and not to be disturb with criticism which are not essential. Certainly, it’s a gradual process of our spiritual victory. Yet every step counts. As little spark ignites and produces fire on the wood, the devout illumines brightness to his spiritual life when he keeps on shining constantly.

• When God is indispensably present in our heart, temptation, anxiety, sorrow, spiritual dryness, sterility and the like have no room in us because they appear of less or secondary importance. Yet when we fall to temptation, like gambling which leads to anger we are responsible of the act since we give them importance instead of the essential. We must resist any small temptation. And therefore we should focus always our heart on God like a ship points to its direction. Truly, it is not a conquest made once and for all but our constant fidelity and continuous response to God’s grace is our guarantee.

• Spiritual awareness, little spark of grace in the heart, firmed resolution of embracing God’s precious love keep us steady amid harsh changes and afflictions. Like bees pick up small stones to keep their balance on the air during stormy wind. So we hold on God’s grace and rekindle our spirit time and again to be firm and steadfast, keeping the equilibrium of our spiritual life.