:: Bloom where you are planted :: Recollections with St. Francis de Sales

RECOLLECTIONS WITH St. FRANCIS DE SALES





JULY 2002 - APRIL 2003



    October 2002:

Self-Understanding: Sin and Brokenness

1. Personal Study and Reflection

1.1.    Scripture References

Sirach. 17: 1-4: strength and weakness of the human person
2 Sam. 12: 1-15: "... You are the man..."
Rev. 3: 15-20: "... You do not realize that you are poor, blind, and naked...
Lk. 19:1-10... Zacchaeus meets the Lord and discovers himself

1.2. Teaching of St. Francis de Sales

"I have been at pains," says St. Francis de Sales, "to explain all this rather fully because some knowledge of the human person is essential for understanding any discussion on spiritual matters" (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 1, Chapter 12)

For a better understanding of the structure of the human person according to St. Francis de Sales, please read, Ever Flowing Streams of Love, by Fr. Antony Mookenthottam, pp. 34 -39.

In his meditation on sin, St. Francis presents various aspects of our sins for our consideration:

"Consider by itself the sin of ingratitude to God. It is a general sin spreading itself to all the others and making them much more serious. Look at the numerous benefits God has given you which you have all misused against the Giver. Remember specially the many inspirations to which you have paid no attention, and the many good movements you have made useless. Above all, you have received the Sacraments many times, but where are the fruits? Reflect on this ingratitude, that while God was running after you constantly to save you, you were always running away from Him to ruin yourself.

Think of your evil inclinations, and to what extend you have followed them.

Try to remember when you began to sin. Note that from this first beginning sins have greatly multiplied in your heart" (Introduction to Devout Life, Part I, Chapter 12).

Sin is due to charity growing cold. It is a gradual process and not particular or single acts (cf. Treatise on the Love of God, Book 4, Chapter 2).

1.3. Biographical Notes: St. Francis' Vocation

"He was riding back with heavy heart, with contradictory feelings. In being faithful to his father, was he not unfaithful to his God? But in being faithful to God would he not fail in his love for his father? Was it not cowardice to abandon his old parents, burdened with responsibilities, in order to follow his own inclination? Painful question for a-sensitive heart. He was not hesitating about his choice of life, but about the moment of decision. In this state of interior crisis, his horse loosely held, stumbled. The tip of his sword pointing towards his heart created a psychological shock, and from this shock was born certainty. God wanted him now" (Lajeunie. Vol. 1, p. 135. Read the full account from p. 134).

2. Apostolic Community Meeting

2.1.

2.2.

2.2.1.

2.2.2.

2.2.3.

2.2.4.

2.2.5.

Shared Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament (One Hour)

Points for Reflection and Sharing:

What is the image I have of myself? What are my good qualities and strengths, limitations and weaknesses?

What are the measures that I take to grow in charity? Explain.

Share with others the list of goods, material and spiritual, you have received from God for which you are grateful or not. List what you were not aware of.

What is your attitude to sin and to sinful habits and addictions in the context of modern society (drugs, alcohol, sex, electronic media etc.)? Is it fear, guilt complex or a determination to stand against it?

Recall a concrete situation or an anecdote to explain your reaction when you were accused, corrected or when your mistakes were pointed out to you.

3. Evaluation and Decisions

1.

2.

Share the concrete follow up of the decisions taken by each local community.

What practical steps do we need to take to help our community members in building a true AC?