Thursday, September 29 : Saint Francis de Sales

At the creation God commanded the plants to bear fruit :each “according to its kind” (Gn 1,11) and he likewise commands Christians, the living branches of the vine, to bear fruit by practising devotion according to their state in life. The practice of devotion must differ for the gentleman ‘the artisan, the servant and the prince, for widow, young girl or wife. Further, it must be adapted to their muscular strength, circumstances and duties… Is the solitary life of a Carthusian suited to a bishop? Should those who are married practise the poverty of a Capuchin? If workmen spent as much time in church as religious, if religious were exposed to the same pastoral calls as a bishop, such devotion would be ridiculous and cause intolerable disorder. Yet this foolish mistake is often made… True devotion never causes harm, but rather perfects everything we do… “The bee sucks honey from the flowers without injuring them,” wrote Aristotle, leaving them as whole and fresh as when it found them. Devotion goes further, not only is it unharmful to any state of life, it adorns and beautifies it… It makes the care of family peaceful, the love of husband and wife more sincere, the service of one’s king more faithful, and every task more pleasant and a joy. It is not only erroneous, but a heresy, to hold that life in the army, the workshop, the court, or the home is incompatible with devotion… Wherever we find ourselves we not only may, but should seek perfection.
maronite readings – rosary,team