The Heart and Perseverance

Introduction to the Devout Life
Part Fifth

Bancha Kitprasert, Thomas Kayyalackel,
Sinhyang Park, and Melanio Puzon

Again, St. Francis de Sales is concerned with Philothea's heart. In the examination, he construes his questions so as to review her heart. In chapter 4, for instance, St. Francis lists a series of questions, each beginning with, "How is your heart…?" At the end of the examination, he says, "Offer him [God] your heart so that he may make himself its sole master" (ch. 8). Surely, there is no true devotion without the involvement of the heart.

St. Francis' list of reflections, or considerations, is not different. They aim at converting the heart: "we shall no longer be ourselves for we shall have a changed heart" (ch. 16).

Overall, St. Francis urges Philothea to persevere in the spiritual exercises given: "I entreat you by all that is sacred in heaven and on earth…continue and persevere in this blessed enterprise of the devout life" (ch. 18). He even goes so far as to answer objections against keeping these exercises, such as insufficient time and a minimalistic mentality. Regarding not having enough time, St. Francis says, "Perform these exercises confidently…and God will give you sufficient leisure and strength to perform all your other duties" (ch. 17). To the minimalistic mentality, he says, "If anyone tells you that you may live devoutly without following this advice and these exercises, do not deny it but answer mildly that you are so weak that you need more help and assistance than others do" (ch. 18). Simply put, one cannot be devout unless the proper means are employed.

Submitted by Melanio Puzon