The genius of St. Francis de Sales on True Devotion
Early in my spiritual life, I encountered a great book, Introduction to a Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. The title itself drew me into curiosity with its simplicity. What was more shocking was the simplicity of the content. To be devout is to be animated by the love of God to do His will.
“Charity is a spiritual fire, which, when inflamed, is called devotion.”
-St. Francis de Sales
To live a devout life seems contrary to the view of human flourishing. In the second chapter, St. Francis de Sales compares the life of a Christian to that of bees. (How sweet, literally) He says, “Look at the bees: they find upon the thyme a very bitter juice, yet, sucking it, they convert it into honey, because such is their property. O worldlings! devout souls, it is true, find much bitterness in their exercises of mortification; but in performing them, they convert them into the most delicious sweetness.”
What is most fascinating to me is his timeless wisdom, for he wrote this work around 1608, yet it is so fresh and fruitful.
To be devout is to have the disposition of will to do promptly what concerns the worship and service of God (Modern Catholic Dictionary). This disposition is only brought out abundantly when animated by love!
Devotion is “the queen of virtues, and perfection of charity (St. Francis de Sales).”
Devotion is compatible with every station of life.
God commands all to “bring forth the fruit of devotion, each according to his quality and vocation (St. Francis de Sales).” It is so simple! You are called to be a saint; that is your VOCATION. To do that today! Doing the next right thing, it does not have to be big things, but small, day-to-day acts of virtue. To always have Him before your eyes and live in accordance with Christian virtue. God has given you today to grow in holiness. It might not be in the ways you anticipate, but the current state you are in is good. Whatever age, or career, or path, you can attain virtue. It may look different to other people, but it is your path that God has called you to follow. He has trusted you with something very special. To love Him and others well. To be concerned only with doing His will. In the little acts of life and the big ones, God must be at their core.
“Make frequent aspirations to God, by short but ardent motions of your heart (St. Francis de Sales).” We often complicate prayer, but it should be simple. He wants you to think of Him. It does not have to be lengthy, only ardent. True and passionate desire to aspire to Him. To lift your soul to Him. To think of Him constantly. Prayer is the voice of desire. Your desire should be God. Pray in the ways you can and are fitting for your current state. Study, work, silent recollection, spiritual reading, the rosary, these are all means to pray. Even a short pious thought is prayer. All He wants is for you to seek Him.
There is much more to say about the simplicity and beauty of being devout. In this manner, St. Francis de Sales outlines various means and examples of living devoutly. Yet, it is all summed up in one word. Love! To live a devout life is to live a life of love in God. That life is available to all, no matter their current state. All we have to do is desire it.
