Fostering the journey towards God

Introduction to the Devout Life
Reflection of Part 4
(Matthew, Suwan, Fernando, Tresford)

Although Part 4 did not seem to have any linear structure or pattern in its arrangement, the common theme nevertheless appears to be about temptation and how to resist temptation.

Throughout this section, Francis de Sales identifies the sources of temptation and then offers solutions in the face of them. Again, his advise is directed towards the common person - both man and woman and uses common imagery to illustrate his points. He demonstrates an obvious understanding of the human person by identifying the the root causes of sin: sadness and anxiety. Anxiety, according to St. Francis, is the “greatest evil that can befall us except sin” (p. 282).

It seems that through his advise, St. Francis is above all concerned with the individual’s journey towards God and not so much with dwelling on the little problems or distractions, or even on the stumbling blocks commonly faced by every human person.

Submitted by Matthew Hendzel