The Introduction to the Devout Life
Part I, Chapters 1-8: On beginning a devoted life
English-speaking Group: Carlo, Elizabeth, Rosita and Ruwantha
What strikes the most:
- We should not be troubled because of our imperfections consists in fighting against them, we cannot fight against them if we do not see them, nor conquer them if we do not encounter them.
- For a general renewal of our hearts and a complete conversion of our soul to God, a general confession is a recommendation.
- Jacob’s ladder is portrayed as a true picture of a devout life – descending by action to the support of one’s neighbor and ascending by contemplation to loving union with God.
- Love that bursts forth into a persevering flame is devotion.
- Devotion is the sweetest of all things and the queen of virtues because it is the perfection of charity.
- Faithfulness in love is devotion.
- Devotion is to be practiced differently and individually by people of different walks of life. It is not to be compared with one to the other.
- The devotion is simplified when one finds a good guide who is full of charity, of knowledge, and of prudence.
Practical applications of the teachings of St Francis de Sales:
- We can propose to any of the target groups that true devotion does not in any way disturb their state of life or employment; instead it only adorns and beautifies them.
- That devotion is within the reach of all.
- Share with the target group the liberating experience of a true contrition for sins and invite them to make a sincere act of contrition before confession.
- We can gently propose the importance of having a spiritual guide by putting forward the necessary qualities that they need to be cautious about when choosing one.
- Bring to awareness in them that to make progress in one’s life and true devotion, they need to be sincere and open to the guide.
Summary by Elizabeth
No comments:
Post a Comment