Challenges of Common Sense

The Devout Life
PART 2, Chapters 1 - 21

Group members:
Ed, Anthony, Woojung and Linda

In Part 2 of the Devout Life Francis offers a whole variety of methods and styles of praying. Through his meditations he invites Philotea to continue to deepen her personal conversion. Throughout this part he offers a method and a means for one to keep one’s conversion lively! However he is very flexible and gentle in his approach. He allows her the freedom to take his advice/methods of praying or not; encouraging her to pray the way that is best for her.

Throughout the Chapters we are given numerous examples of different ways of praying; nature, meditation, scripture, spiritual exercises, invocation of the saints and saying ejaculations and then he speaks of the most important; the sacramental life – Confession and Mass. We also get a glimpse of the Ignatian spirituality that influenced Francis as a young student. Francis presents these different types and opportunities for prayer to Philotea so that she may integrate them into her daily living and ultimately grow closer in her loving relationship with God. The presentation of these various counsels for raising oneself to God by prayer and the Sacraments is very simple and direct, however the execution of it is very demanding, if one takes it seriously!

Francis accompanies Philotea closely offering her nourishment for her spiritual life, encouraging her to have a God centred life; he challenges her to turn her daily life experiences into Godly life experiences. He encourages her not to become disheartened during dryness in meditation (common to us all) and suggests more practical things she can do in that occasion to help her. He has a very human and practical approach to prayer. Throughout this part of the book we get a clear picture of Francis’ spirituality.

These chapters also emphasised the importance of spiritual accompaniment/direction in one’s life so as to be able to take up the challenge of a personal ongoing conversion. He asks for a deep commitment but at the same time is sensitive to Philotea’s needs.

Finally, these counsels although written over three centuries ago are very contemporary and still relevant today. The same challenges and good common sense advice can help us on our spiritual journey too.

Linda Cameron
Friday 31st October 2008