Today we begin a triduum of prayer in preparation for the feast of St. Francis de Sales (January 24th). The intercession of Francis is sought by his spiritual daughters, the Sisters of the Visitation. It is also sought by those who have benefitted from his example, like journalists and missionaries. Choose your own prayer or say; “Francis de Sales, doctor of divine love, teach us and guide us.” For today’s quote from Francis we have:
“Consider how uncertain is the day of your death. My soul, one day you will leave this body. When will it be? Only one thing is certain; we will die and sooner than we think.”
This fact should not frighten us. After all, as people of faith we know that Jesus has prepared a place for us with Him in heaven. So renew your courage as you read what Jane has to say:
“Tell me, if you were mothers of families, would you send your servants and your children to work in the fields or prune the vines without providing them with the tools necessary for doing what you wanted them to do? Are we to think that God asks us to do something and does not at the same time give us the assistance necessary for carrying out His commands? It would be a great mistake to have such mistrust. No, God is never wanting to us.”
With the psalmist we pray: ”O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is Your name over all the earth!! Psalm 8:10
Sr. Mary Christine Martens, VHM
DAY 2
It is tempting to drift through life responding to what happens rather than taking any initiative. But such a life would be boring and without purpose. We are called to promote the coming of God’s kingdom on earth. Spend a few minutes deciding what you will do today to live Jesus in your surroundings today. May God increase the virtue of faith within your being. That is my prayer for you today.
Francis reminds us to trust in God’s loving providence, and all will be well with us.
“We may rest assured that God will give us each thing in its own proper time. Let us not waste time in desiring anything or in seeking anything. We need to leave ourselves entirely in the hands of divine Providence to do with us whatever pleases Him. For what use is there in desiring one thing rather than another? It should be enough for us that we please God and love His divine will,” Francis de Sales, The Spiritual Conferences, On Hope
Here Jane tells us how to live our daily lives more perfectly. She says:
“Let us remain in love which is kind, universal, compassionate, courageous, and self-forgetful. Nothing could be more pleasing to our Divine Savior than this. ‘Love and do what you will,’ says St. Augustine. Let us love God and our neighbor for love of Him. Let us do to our neighbor what we would like done to us. All perfection lies in this!”
With the psalmist we pray: “Into your hands I commend my spirit; You will redeem me, Lord, faithful God.” Psalm 31:6
Day 3
Today we celebrate the birthday of St. Jane de Chantal and tomorrow is the feast of St. Francis de Sales. So this is our Founders’ Week and we ask you to rejoice with us. Please pray that God will guide me to choose quotes that will be helpful to you and to many others. Today Francis says:
“The King of Glory does not reward His servants according to the dignity of their office, but according to the humility and love with which they have exercised it.”
Do this and you will please God Who looks at our efforts and love rather than at our success or failure. What then does God want of us?. Jane tells us:
“He wants a humble and tranquil submission to His most holy will in whatever happens, for everything is, without question, ordained by divine Providence for His glory and for our gain. May our hearts desire only that His holy will be accomplished in us.”
With the psalmist we pray: “You make me glad, O Lord, by Your deeds; at the work of Your hands I rejoice.” Psalm 92:5