Salesian Literature

LETTERS OF SFS

​

Madame de la Flechere

Patiently accept being less than perfect

Do faithfully all the things you have to do

Indifference

We must hate our faults

 

Indifference

October 28, 1608[1]

 

My very dear daughter and friend,

 

You will see the letter I have written to the Cistercian General and to your own sister.[2]  The only other thing I’d like to say to you in the little leisure I have is that I greatly approve of the kind of indifference you are showing, as much in the situation at the de Bons Abbey as in all other matters since it stems from your consideration of the will of God.  I have no use for people who have no likes or dislikes, and who, no matter what happens, remain unmoved; they are this way either from a lack of energy and of heart, or through an unconcern for the difference between good and evil.  But those whose indifference is the result of being totally surrendered to God ought to be most graceful, for this is a great gift.  I could explain this better if I were speaking to you; however, I think you understand what I am trying to say.

 

Undoubtedly, it is a temptation to waste time at prayer wondering what you have yet to tell me about the state of your soul; prayer is not the time for that.  Nevertheless, don’t fight these thoughts; instead, very slowly turn your mind away from them by a simple return to the object of your prayer.

 

I shall write you a more leisurely letter at the first opportunity, but right now I must leave to make the visitation of a parish, and there are lots of people around.

 

May God dwell in the centre of your heart, my dear daughter, and may He set it aflame with His love.

 

--------------------------------------------------

[1] Oeuvres, XIV, 81-82: Letter CDLXXXVIII.

[2] The Cistercian Abbey at Bons in the neighbouring district of Bugey was in scandalous need of reform.  Mme de la Fléchère, whose own sister was a religious of that Abbey, had apparently taken some action favouring reform, but must have expressed doubt whether this was in keeping with “indifference.”

​

Back to Top

​