Broad minded and shrewd at the same time

St. Francis de Sales group work
Introduction to the Devout Life, PART 3, Chapters 23-41

Group members:
Ed, Woojung, Anthony and Linda

In these final chapters of Part 3, once more we see that Francis was a very open, broad minded man but at the same time shrewd. He addresses very serious issues; slander, chastity in married life, external mortifications, rash judgments, worthy conversations and the use of our recreational time; he discusses them poignantly and prudently. The chapters are full of metaphors that clarify his counsels and yet he never gets too graphic in their descriptions, however, these prime examples reveal him to be a tremendous observer of human nature. This is particularly evident in Chapter 39; advice to the married. For one who lived a chaste life his advice is so apt and contemporary.

These chapters are full of gems of wisdom and summary sentences that sum up the kernel of his thinking which usually come after a discussion on a challenging subject; here are a few examples of such summary sentences; “our words are signs of the qualities of our souls” (p.217); “In speaking we are not concerned about quantity but quality” (P.231); “Yesterday must not judge today nor today judge yesterday” and “great occasions of serving God are rare but little ones are common” (P.240). These capture the principles of Francis’ spirituality in a way that it challenges and pierces the heart of the reader.

A key chapter in this part of the book is chapter 35 which speaks of the key principle of Francis’ spirituality; we must be faithful both in great and little things. He reminds us that it is not so much the greatness of the act itself that pleases God but rather it is the hearts intention by which we do it; small or great. This resonated strongly with the members in the group; once again, the simplicity of Francis’ spirituality reminds us that it is indeed exigent!

It would appear that Francis writes from two stances – from ‘the heart’ and from the ‘intellect’. Throughout these chapters he is very clear in presenting the teachings of Christ and encourages Philothea to practice them in her daily life but at the same time he is acutely aware of how difficult it is to accomplish. He presents the ideal to the reader without apologizing for it, but at the same time he remains gentle and understanding. He presents an optimistic spirituality; God’s love conquers all! And of course, Francis entrusts the Philothea to do the best she can and always seek the guidance of her spiritual guide. Once again this is a reminder to us that we cannot walk the road to holiness alone.

Francis’ spirituality in all its simplicity penetrates the depths of our hearts and even though we know the principles very well, we also know that we can only live them with great effort and with the help of God.



Sr. Linda Cameron
Friday 14th November 2008