Part 5, Chapter 18
We are at the end, but the end is really our new beginning. We now go forward with the skills and things we have learned to try to live out the devout life. St. Francis De Sales gives three good things to think about and do.
- Renew the resolution found in Part 1, Chapter 20. Our Saint says that we should renew this monthly on the first of the month. It is found in our version of the book on pages 30 & 31. We will find it right below here, but I am taking it from Introduction to the Devout Life.
I, the undersigned, in the presence of God and of all the company of heaven, having considered the infinite mercy of his heavenly goodness towards me, a most miserable, unworthy creature, whom he has created, preserved, sustained, delivered from so many dangers, and filled with so many blessings: having above all considered the incomprehensible mercy and loving kindness with which this most good God has borne with me in my sinfulness, leading me so tenderly to repentance, and waiting so patiently for me till this (present) year of my life, notwithstanding all my ingratitude, disloyalty and faithlessness, by which I have delayed turning to him, and despising his grace, have offended him anew: and further, remembering that in my Baptism I was solemnly and happily dedicated to God as his child, and that in defiance of the profession then made in my name, I have so often miserably profaned my gifts, turning them against God’s divine majesty—I, now coming to myself prostrate in heart and soul before the throne of his justice, acknowledge and confess that I am duly accused and convicted of treason against his majesty, and guilty of the Death and Passion of Jesus Christ, by reason of the sins I have committed, for which he died, bearing the reproach of the Cross; so that I deserve nothing else save eternal damnation.
But turning to the throne of infinite mercy of this eternal God, detesting the sins of my past life with all my heart and all my strength, I humbly desire and ask grace, pardon, and mercy, with entire absolution from my sin, in virtue of the Death and Passion of that same Lord and Redeemer, on whom I lean as the only ground of my hope. I renew the sacred promise of faithfulness to God made in my name at my Baptism; renouncing the devil, the world, and the flesh, abhorring their accursed suggestions, vanities and lusts, now and for all eternity. And turning to a loving and pitiful God, I desire, intend, and deliberately resolve to serve and love him now and eternally, devoting my mind and all its faculties, my soul and all its powers, my heart and all its affections, my body and all its senses, to his will. I resolve to never to misuse any part of my being by opposing his divine will and sovereign majesty, to which I wholly immolate myself in intention, vowing ever to be his loyal, obedient and faithful servant without any change or recall. But if unhappily, through the promptings of the enemy, or human infirmity, I should in anywise fail in this my resolution and dedication, I do most earnestly resolve by the grace of the Holy Spirit to rise up again so soon as I shall perceive my fall, and turn anew, without any delay, to seek his divine mercy. This is my firm will and intention, my inviolable, irrevocable resolution, which I make and confirm without any reserve, in the holy presence of God, in the sight of the Church triumphant, and before the Church militant, which is my mother, who accepts this my declaration, in the person of him who, as her representative, hears me make it. Be pleased, O eternal, all-powerful, and all-loving God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to confirm me in this my resolution, and accept my sincere and willing offering. And inasmuch as you have been pleased to inspire me with the will to make it, give me also the necessary strength and grace to keep it. O God, you are my God, the God of my heart, my soul, and spirit, and as such I acknowledge and adore you, now and for all eternity. Glory be to Jesus. Amen. (30 -31).
2. In saying that we are going to live the Devout Life, what we are really saying is that we intend to do this and with the grace of God we will do it. It is truly our desire to do it. That is why St. Francis De Sales says, “Make open profession of your desire to be devout; I will not say to be devout, but to desire it; and do not be ashamed of the ordinary, necessary actions that lead us on in the love of God” (Introduction to the Devout Life, 205). We want and desire to live the devout life, but we are weak and so we need God’s help to do it. Ask for help. Beg the Saints for their intercession. “And if anyone affirms that you can live a devout life without following all these practices and counsels, do not deny it, but answer meekly that your infirmity is great, and needs more help and support than many others may require” (Introduction to the Devout Life, 205). It is true that we need God’s help to live the devout life, and this is a tried and true way given by St. Francis De Sales, who am I to say that I know a better way. This is a good and humble way to go.
3. Finally “be steadfast and persevere in this most undertaking to live a devout life” (Introduction to the Devout Life, 205). In other words, keep going forward. God is with us, keep our eyes on Him. Keep the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as our focus. And don’t look back.
This is the end of the blog for the Introduction to the Devout Life. I thank God for St. Francis De Sales’ book and what it is doing for us. Now is the beginning, not the end. We now need to put this into practice. By the way, this is my third time reading the book, and I will probably read it again someday. We have only just begun to try to live the devout life. May God bless all of us in doing this!