What Good Can Become of Showing “Sweetness and Gentleness”?
Pope Francis, as Cardinal Bergoglio here, speaks about the gentleness of the Visitation Founder, St. Francis de Sales, who treated others with unconditional love.He reminds us that we are all frail and weak, but instead of hiding these limitations, we should allow them to soften our hearts toward others, for our weaknesses are actually great teachers. They help us to focus on reality!
Come to discuss this heritage of St. Francis de Sales with us on Sunday, June 23rd at 7:30 PM EST, as we ponder the Holy Father’s words from this short video. Topics for discussion:
What is your experience of interacting with others?
How can you become “full of sweetness and gentleness,” as St. Francis and the Cardinal says?
How do your limitations teach you to stay rooted in reality?Come share your thoughts! Sign up for the Living Jesus Chat Room.
Jun 21 2013, 8:56 AM
SrSusan (guest): http://visitationspirit.org/2013/06/pope-francis-before-he-was-pope-on-st-francis-de-sales/
Pope Francis: Before He Was Pope – On St Francis de Sales | Visitation Spirit
Sister Susan Marie: Did you watch the short video?
Sister Susan Marie: One of the phrases that really caught me was the “environment of sensitivity
(guest): Yes, I did watch the video twice. It’s very good. Pope Francis really is in-tuned with society. I noticed that phrase as well.
Sister Susan Marie: The idea of our limitations keeping us rooted in reality is another interesting stance.
(guest): Very true. Sometimes I think our limitations are “things” that we can allow that keep us “stuck” in our reality.
Sister Susan Marie: Without moving on do you mean?
guest: Yes. But also feeling like “well, that’s just the way it is. I can’t do anything more about it.” 8 PM
Sister Susan Marie: Oh yes. Making it an excuse!
(guest): That’s right. Or sometimes saying, “When so-n-so changes then I can do something about..” No not in the novitiate. But sometimes a person can with that in their mind and then are surprised to see how it is NOT play out in Community like that.
(guest): The Community can and does display the attitude of gentleness and respect for each person, especially when another sister makes another sister makes a mistake or something like that.
Sister Susan Marie: I wondered from the video how some viewers might respond or react to the word “sweetness” We know what it means but from the lay person’s point of view I don’t know if they would understand the true meaning or flavor
Sister Susan Marie: But since no laity have shown up yet we may not have to talk about that!
(guest): I was struck by the use of the word sweetness…a direct translation which would need to be clarified.
Jun 23 2013, 7:34 PM
Sister Susan Marie: in French it is douceur, right?
(guest): It was good that Holy Father Pope Francis did use the word sweetness and follow it with gentleness. The Spanish is close to that too. Yes, the French douceur.
(guest): Speaking about an audience. I thought when you post the new topics I would let the Sisters know and if someone would like to join the conversation they could. MMR said that would be OK.
Sister Susan Marie: Oh yes, please. That would be great!
(guest): I’m so grateful for your faithful to these chats! Thanks so much!
Sister Susan Marie: For a while we had up to 9 persons, but it drops off. Usually two or three, sometimes none.
(guest): I like what you wrote prior to this regarding the spirituality of the Order. Salesian Spirituality is so appealing, so easily understood and can be so practical.
Sister Susan Marie: So many people, when they actually begin to read the writings, are captivated. I notice that with retreatants
7:40 PM
(guest): I just read your comment about the Novitiate…. that’s a nice idea!
(guest): You are so right about the captivation people feel when they begin to read the writings.
Jun 23 2013, 7:40 PM
Sister Susan Marie: A way of connecting in our spirituality
Jun 23 2013, 7:41 PM
Sister Susan Marie: I’ve learned a lot myself by trying to think of things to post and doing some research!
Jun 23 2013, 7:41 PM
(guest): Often when we get inquiries it is the spirituality that attracts them. Sometimes they just got to know him (SFdS)
One aspect that Pope Francis brings out is what I think is a goal: to be able to treat everyone with gentleness. I think it’s talking about how you go about doing that that makes it real.
Jun 23 2013, 7:45 PM
Sister Susan Marie: Yes and even though I try and its a goal there are “slip” times!
But people are surprised when you are nice and kind and gentle.
Jun 23 2013, 7:47 PM
Sister Susan Marie: So true. and beig in a culture like NY, even behind these walls, that directness seeps in
Jun 23 2013, 7:47 PM
Sister Susan Marie: I think the more we are gentle the more people will sense the love and they will be drawn to the Lord
Jun 23 2013, 7:48 PM
(guest): Yes, being a New Yorker I understand. Often I find myself being very direct and trying to be gentle with it. You’re right people do sense the love…
Jun 23 2013, 7:48 PM
Sister Susan Marie: I heard the other day that there should be no moment in our lives when we are thinking of only ourselves, but instead we should have others in mind.
think the more we are gentle the more people will sense the love and they will be drawn to the Lord
Jun 23 2013, 7:49 PM
Sister Susan Marie: Gentleness helps to cultivate that because we have to be thinking of the other in order to be gentle with that person
(guest): That’s right. It takes a little effort…I know the Novitiate members work on that. It something to strive for..
Jun 23 2013, 7:50 PM
Sister Susan Marie: Ours too! The inner struggle, esp for older women, is very real
Sister Susan Marie: That take charge attitude is hard to undo. show LOVE.
Jun 23 2013, 7:51 PM
(guest): A spiritual director once told me that when you have to do something “hard” involving another person, sometimes its good to practice your approach…
Jun 23 2013, 7:51 PM
Practice, like role play?
A spiritual director once told me that when you have to do something “hard” involving another person, sometimes its good to practice your approach…
(guest): It may seem stilted – but role playing can help. At least it gives you some idea about what you might say and how you might best say it.
Jun 23 2013, 7:53 PM
Sister Susan Marie: I like the idea. It’s finding the inoffensive word but one that still carries your meaning
Jun 23 2013, 7:53 PM
(guest): When I do that I find myself approaching the person with a smile – almost a laugh. Either seems to help us both relax.
(guest): You probably have heard how when you have to approach someone, using “I” words is better than “You” words.
Jun 23 2013, 7:54 PM
Sister Susan Marie: Sounds like you have a handle on this!
Jun 23 2013, 7:54 PM
(guest): Let’s say I’m improving!!
(guest): You know, sometimes you know what to do but it doesn’t always work out that way. Yes I better pack it up. It was nice chatting with you Sister!
Jun 23 2013, 7:55 PM
Sister Susan Marie: Thanks for sharing this! And being here!
SME370 (guest): Happy Feast of the Birth of John the Baptist! Now there was a “gentle guy!” Thanks for being there! Good night!
Jun 23 2013, 7:56 PM