Salesian Literature

13.   Always Something to Do

 

Dear Francis de Sales,

 

I’m worried about my dealings with other people.  I try to fall in with them, but they don’t do things my way at all. T got so upset the other day at falling out with somebody, and then went and did the same thing again.  I’m so cut up about it, because I don’t think other people feel things in quite the same way.  They can shrug these thins off; I can’t.

 

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. A. Christine

 

 

Dear Mrs. Christine,

 

I’ve noticed that you’ve been a bit the worse for wear these last few days owing to the interplay of contrary impulses.  You’ve been torn between a desire to give up your own way and a tendency to follow your own particular fancy.

 

Well, you’ll find that the worst thing you’ve done is to have been so upset at your own stupidity.  If you hadn’t been so perturbed the first time you stumbled, but had gently taken yourself in hand, you wouldn’t have fallen a second time.

 

The best thing you can do now is to take courage and sincerely renew your good resolutions, especially your resolve not to be upset – or at least to sober down as soon as you realise you’re agitated.

 

You shouldn’t have used the expression “I’m so cut up about it” in the way you did.  We must try to be sympathetic towards our neighbour and humble in regard to ourselves, and not too prone to think that other people have all they could wish for, and that we have too little.

 

I’m afraid we shall always have something to do, always some temptation to resist.  Don’t be surprised, then.  When you are harassed by such evil inclinations, think of our Lord on the cross.  “My sweet Lord,” you could pray, “calm my heart through the meekness of your own.”  Relax a little in preparation for the struggle.  Then return to it.  When you feel yourself getting agitated again, repeat the process.  God will help you.

 

Keep your soul at peace.  In big things or in little ones, leave yourself always in the hands of Providence.  Go on cultivating a meek and peaceful disposition, for it is the true spirit of Jesus, who wants to reign in our hearts for ever.

 

I am yours in him,

Francis de Sales

(Source:  Annecy, May 1609.  Annecy Edition, XIV, 156-157. Annecy.  23 May 1609, Annecy Edition, XIV, 162.)

​

​

Back to Top

​