Salesian Literature

Salesian Views on

Temptations

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Temptations

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Introduction to the Devout Life, Part 4

 

We must ignore the negative remarks of worldly people

Introduction to the Devout Life, 4:1. As soon as the worldly-minded observe that you are determined to follow the devout life, they will fling at you a thousand darts of mockery and slander. 

 

We must have great courage

Introduction to the Devout Life, 4:2. Though light is beautiful and pleasant, it dazzles our eyes if we have been in darkness for long.  Before we grow familiar with the inhabitants of any country, however courteous and gracious they are, we feel somewhat ill at ease.  

 

The nature of temptation: the difference between feeling temptation and yielding to it

Introduction to the Devout Life, 4:3. Imagine, Philothea, a young princess who is very dearly loved by her husband.  Some wicked man to seduce her and commit adultery with her sends a dishonourable messenger to arrange with her his disgraceful proposal. 

 

Encouragement to those in temptation

Introduction to the Devout Life, 4:5. Philothea, God allows these great trials and temptations only to those whom he wishes to raise to His pure and excellent love. 

 

How temptation and pleasure can be sinful

Introduction to the Devout Life, 4:6. The princess mentioned earlier was not responsible for the dishonourable proposal made to her, since as we have assumed, it was made against her will. 

 

Remedies against great temptations

Introduction to the Devout Life, 4:7. As soon as you feel yourself tempted, follow what little children do when they see a wolf or a bear in the field.  They run at once to their father’s or mother’s arms or at least call out to them for help and assistance. 

 

We must resist small temptations

Introduction to the Devout Life, 4:8. It is true, we have to resist great temptations with invincible courage, and the victory which it brings is very profitable.  But perhaps we may be able to gain greater profit resisting well small temptations.

 

Remedies against small temptations

Introduction to the Devout Life, 4:9. These small temptations to vanity, suspicion, irritability, jealousy, envy, flirtation and similar follies, hover before our eyes, like flies and gnats stinging us sometimes on the cheek, and sometimes on the nose.

 

How to strengthen the heart against temptations

Introduction to the Devout Life, 4:10. Reflect sometimes on what are your dominating passions. After discovering them, adopt a way of life completely contrary to them in thoughts, words and deeds.

 

Spiritual Directory: There are three steps in temptation…

 

Sermon for the First Sunday of Lent, February 13, 1622

Temptation:  This is an admonition of the Sage: "My son, if you intend to serve God, prepare your soul for temptation," for it is an infallible truth that no one is exempt from temptation when he has truly resolved to serve God. This being the case, Our Lord Himself chose to be subjected to temptation in order to show us how we ought to resist it. 

 

Dealing with temptations

Letter to Jane de Chantal:  Your temptations against the Faith have come back, and although you do not respond to them even with a single word, they press you.  You do not respond to them: that is good, my child.  But you think too much of them; you fear them too much; you dread them too much.  They would do you no harm without that. 

 

Facing temptations while trusting in God

Letter to a Gentleman:  What is of greater concern to me now is that everyone says that besides your physical illness, you are suffering from deep depression.  I can imagine how much this will slow down your return to perfect health and breed the very opposite condition.  Now, sir, my heart is very sad to hear this, and since I have such deep, inexpressible affection for you, I also feel great compassion for your family. 

 

Letter to a Wife and Mother, 11: There is no harm in feeling a little satisfaction when with God’s grace we are successful in meeting our temptations, as long as we hold our enthusiasm in check with the virtue of humility.

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