Part 1, Chapter 2
Looks can be deceiving. Many times we see someone, we make a judgment. Imagine that you have not seen the image below before. What would we think? Is the man a criminal, has he done something wrong? There would be many thoughts going through our heads. Needless to say, we know that this is a crucifix and that it is Jesus who died on the cross for us. So, why do I bring this up? Because we make assumptions and have presumptions about those who are living the devout life. We assume that they aren’t happy, that it is too difficult, and that they are just weird or even crazy. We presume to think that a devout life is too hard and that we are not holy enough to do it. Well, we presume and assume wrong. We are all called to holiness.
The devout know God, and He is supplying all that they need. He is with them pouring out His love and mercy. All the grace they need is supplied to live the devout life. Otherwise, they couldn’t do it! Those who are devout have a relationship with God. This is something that we cannot always see. They have inner joy, peace. The fire burns brightly in them.
The devout have tasted the sweetness of God. And they will not give it up for anything. They are not miserable, sad, nor downtrodden. Rather they are full of the love of God. They love their neighbor as themselves. The devout have tasted the sweet nectar of God. It is why they are able to do what they do. “Believe me, dear child, devotion is the sweetest of sweets, the queen of virtues, the perfection of love” (Introduction to the Devout Life, 4). “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him’” (1 Corinthians 2:9). The devout have begun to taste a little the AWESOMENESS of God!