Homily: Jan 24 2017 - St. Francis de Sales - Introduction to the Devout Life

St. Francis de Sales was an outstanding and highly influential bishop, spiritual director, author, and preacher whose life spans the turbulent decades following the Protestant Reformation.  He was born at Savoy in France in 1567.  He studied with the Jesuits at Paris, and finally at Padua, Italy where he obtained doctorates in both civil and canon law.  It was hoped by his father, that he would become a lawyer and follow in his footsteps as a senator; instead, Francis desired to serve the Church.  He was ordained a priest in 1593 and dedicated himself to the re-evangelizing the many Catholics who had fallen away to Calvinism.  

Between 1595 and 1598 he won many converts to the Catholic Church by his persuasive preaching but at the same time he was often in danger of his life at the hands hostile Calvinists.

At the age of 32 Francis was ordained a bishop and three years later he was installed as bishop of Geneva.  For 20 years he labored zealously for the conversion of the Calvinists, and also found time to write his spiritual opus, The Introduction to the Devout Life, which hasn’t gone out of print in 400 years. What distinguishes this book from other spiritual treatises of the time, was that it wasn’t just written for consecrated religious in the confines of their monasteries, but for people of all vocations and all walks of life.

So, the spirituality of his book was somewhat revolutionary for the time: it emphasized that Christianity is an invitation for all people to belong completely to God: everyone from doctors, farmers, widows, street cleaners, kings, mothers of 7 children.

He acknowledged that the life of prayer, devotion, and service will look different in the life of the noble or the pauper; spiritual practices need to fit each individuals strengths and within their individual duties in life.

In the Introduction to the Devout Life he writes: “As often as you can during the day, recall your mind to the presence of God.... Consider what God is doing, what you are doing. You will always find God's eyes fixed on you in unchangeable love. Our hearts should each day seek a resting-place on Calvary or near our Lord, in order to retire there to rest from worldly cares and to find strength against temptation. Remember frequently to retire into the solitude of your heart, even while you are externally occupied in business or society. This mental solitude need not be hindered even though many people may be around you, for they surround your body not your heart, which should remain alone in the presence of God. As David said, "My eyes are ever looking at the Lord."

In all of our duties, interactions, moments of work and rest, may we know the guidance and prayerful intercession of St. Francis de Sales, that in all things we may we seek the glory of God and salvation of souls
 
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For the Holy Church of God, that the Lord and his Saints may graciously watch over her and care for her.

Through the intercession of St. Francis de Sales, patron of Spiritual Directors, that each of us may receive the guidance we need to grow in holiness and Christian perfection.

And for all those under the patronage of St. Francis de Sales, authors, writers, journalists, and educators, may seek to rightly communicate the good things the world needs to hear.