Still A Man For Our Times

Today the Church honors St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers and Doctor of the Church.  His early life gave no indication that this is how he would be remembered.  His father wanted him to be a lawyer and had even programmed a marriage for him, but Francis secretly desired to become a priest, and ultimately his desire prevailed.  He went through a period of depression, influenced by the Calvinist doctrine of pre-destination that he might be  pre-destined to hell, despite his efforts to live a good life. In desperation, he prayed before a miraculous image of Mary, was able to turn his heart, mind and will over to God, and the depression left him. Today's readings make reference to this stance:  "Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will" (Ps 40: 8a, 9a) quoted in Hebrews 10: 8:  Also along these lines: ":Here are my mother and my brothers. for whoever does the will of God is my brother and my sister and mother." (Mk 3:35).  A major turning point in the spiritual life of anyone seeking the best path of service to God
Francis spent three years preaching in Switzerland, having become the Bishop of Geneva, but forced to live 50 miles away because of the strong Calvinist presence there. He hiked over the mountains, spent nights in the trees, nearly freezing to death, but no results.  So he took to writing and slipping his writings under doors.  Soon, people began writing letters back to him and he diligently answered each with a personal letter. (no copy machines in the 17th century!).  These writings had such an influence, that people finally came to listen to him, and by the time he returned home to France, he had converted 40,000 people, left two classic books on the spiritual life, Treatise on the Love of God, and An Introduction to the Devout Life, both practical manuals for anyone seeking to enhance his or her spiritual growth.  They are still in print and still relevant today. He also advised St. Jane Frances de Chantal and helped her found the Order of the Sisters of the Visitation.  Turning his life completely over to God provided results far afield of his early aspirations.  May his example inspire us to pray likewise:  "Her I am, Lord, I come to do your will."
Bro .Rene