Based loosely on the works of St. Francis de Sales. I have his book. You should too. I will reference them when I use them as well. I will also reference St. Francis de Sales Fifth English Edition of his third edition. This work is Copyright 2019-2021 S.F.S Publications. Opened Heart Publishing
Today we started to wade through the first part of the introduction to the introduction, which also explains in great part about the translation. You know this book has survived the test of time as a legitimate manual on living a healthy life according to our Creator God and Lover of our Soul.
I had read some of this book whilst a young mother of three attempting to homeschool. I was struck then, as I am now, of the universality of his writings although written and last edited in 512 as my writing on this date in March of 2022. The book burned its way into my memory. It is only right that I should pick it up as a devotional for our Lenten Journey. (Ken and I, and possibly you.)
I feel as if I shall go madly insane if I do not find what it is the good Lord wants me to do. I know, of course, that he wants me to do good things, and I believe I am ready. Sometimes I think it is just to die graciously since my life has been lived some times both haphazardly and erratic due to my own chronic mental illness of depression. This Big Deal, Depression, which is very common in the Western Populace, displaces joy and productiveness. There. I said it. Now I am going to move forward with what my husband and I did today to encounter Christ.
GETTING READY TO MEDITATE:
The Introduction to the Devout Life started with a relational theory regarding every sinner. It seems we may give up sinning but entertain dipping our toes from time if we are not quite careful, and cognizant we are flirting with disaster for our own salvation. It is poisonous to us (and it may not be to another.)
Of course, we discussed this at great length. My husband most particularly discussed his sin-filled childhood with great detail. I did not like this. I hinted at mine but definitely did not want to get as vulnerable as he apparently was willing.
We will go to confession this Saturday as recommended by St. Francis de Sales. I have never done a general confession that covers your whole life. But then I was baptized at nineteen, so accordingly, sins are forgiven at that time. I always thought that was an advantage over cradle Catholics, but maybe I am diverging some here.
MEDITATION 1
We started with a prayer.
- Place yourself in his presence. I did the “when two or three are gathered in your name, you will be in our midst.” (Matthew 18:20)
- Ask him earnestly to inspire you.
- Consider your body, soul, spirit created from nothing makes you first a mortal being although eternal with God.
Steps to include:
- Humble yourself
- Give thanks
- Be filled with godly sorrow
- Lower yourself before God
- Make a pledge: In order to humble myself, I resolve to (such and such) and to endure (such and such) contempt. I will change my life and follow my Creator. I will consider myself honored to have the life he has given me. I will use it entirely in obedience to His will by the means he gives me and the teaching I receive from my spiritual director. (de Sales, 1610, rvs. 2020.
CONCLUSION
- Thank God (Psalm 103:1) for he has drawn me out of nothing and in his mercy created me.
- Offer and Consecrate whole body to Him.
- Pray that God strengthens you in my loving desires and resolutions. “O Holy Virgin, commend them to the mercy of your Son, together with all other for which I should pray” (de Sales)
Besides resolving to go to confession for reconciliation, we decided to repeat this Chapter 1, together with the meditation until it soaks into us. This, alone, is a great chapter to tie our creature selves to our Creator.