St. Francis de Sales continues to guide us in the qualities of a robust faith, explaining common deficiencies in our faith life, and showing us the path to overcome these weaknesses.
He wrote, ” Great faith is living, vigilant, strong and prudent. Such faith has a fifth quality- to be attentive.
Attentive faith is very great and excellent, and by means of this attention reaches the highest point of perfection.
But consider a gathering of people where good and holy things are being discussed. A man filled with greedy desires will really hear what is said, but when the conversation is over, ask him about it. He cannot relate a word of it. Why? Because he was not attentive to what was said. His attention was on his treasure.
However if someone is there who gives all his attention to listening to what is said, he will be able to report quite well what he has heard.
Why is it that so little profit is derived from sermons? Because the faith with which we hear them is not attentive. This is why we truly believe them but without great conviction.
This attentive faith is accompanied by a great variety of virtues, as confidence, perseverence, patience and humility.”
Reflection:
What is the quality of attentiveness is my own life?