True devotion goes beyond external practices and is rooted in love for God.
Devotion brings joy, delight, and fragrance to the spiritual life, and it is meant for all Christians.
Deep dives
Understanding the nature of true devotion to God
True devotion is rooted in love for God and goes beyond mere external practices. Saint Francis de Sales warns against false and vain forms of devotion and emphasizes the importance of cultivating true devotion.
The joy and excellence of devotion
Devotion brings joy and delight to the spiritual life. It is not gloomy or melancholic as the world sometimes portrays it. Saint Francis de Sales compares devotion to a spiritual fragrance that makes all things pleasant and easy. It is the promptness and willingness to live a life of love for God.
Devotion is suitable for everyone
Devotion is not reserved for the spiritual elite. It is meant for all Christians, regardless of their vocation or profession. Saint Francis de Sales encourages individuals to embrace a life of devotion in the context of their own particular circumstances. It is about ordering our lives to God and finding joy in pursuing Him.
The role of mortification in the devout life
Mortification, or self-discipline, plays a vital role in nurturing devotion. It involves putting to death lower desires in order to prioritize higher desires for God. Saint Francis de Sales explains that mortification helps maintain order in our lives, enabling us to pursue God more fully and make our actions pleasing to Him.
Welcome to Day 1 of Introduction to the Devout Life. Today, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk begin by explaining how important it is to get the principles right when starting out in the spiritual life. They also share what devotion is and how it functions in our walk towards holiness.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "INTRO" to 33-777.
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