Monday, February 2, 2009
Francis de Sales
I must say I'm amazed at the perspicuity of de Sales in my reading of 2. Phantoms of Devotion. This 16th century bishop has a real clear picture of how we each "paint devotion according to his own passions and fancies." Some of us consider ourselves "devout" because we don't drink, or recite vast numbers of prayers, or are generous to the poor, or are very forgiving. But in each example, de Sales shows how these virtures can be counterbalanced by e.g., not hesitating "to drink deep of his neighbor's blood by detraction and gossip." Or, forgiving enemies but never paying creditors. It seems like his message is focussed on the transformation of our life, not following various rules, regardless of how "spiritual" they might be. ~smo
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This concept really speaks to me, especially at this point in my life. Giving our lives to Christ SHOULD be transformational, and not just on Sundays or when we think others might be watching. It's not enough to be "devout" or self-righteous, because that puts the focus on the self. How is that any different than the man who prays "Thank you God that I am not like the sinner?" If our focus is just on how righteous WE can be, then we are focusing on the wrong thing. The focus should be on God, not ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading your posts. Thanks!
Sean