The Sweetness of True Devotion

 

In this chapter, St. Francis de Sales explains that many people wrongly think that living a devout life is burdensome and full of sacrifices, much like the Israelites feared the Promised Land would devour them. But just as Joshua and Caleb assured the Israelites that the Promised Land was beautiful and worth the journey, so too does St. Francis remind us that true devotion to God is not filled with gloom and heaviness, but with sweetness, joy, and grace.

The World's Misconception About Devotion

Many people look at those who practice devotion and think, "This life is too hard, full of fasting, prayers, and sacrifices." They see only the external actions—people giving up their comforts, controlling their tempers, or serving the poor. To the world, it seems bitter and unpleasant. But, like the bee that collects bitter juice from the thyme and turns it into honey, true devotion turns even the hardest acts into something sweet and satisfying for the soul.

The Sweetness in Devotion

Devotion is the "sweetness" that makes everything better. Even when life is hard, devotion brings peace. When life is good, devotion keeps us humble. It brings balance, helping us rejoice in our blessings and bear our trials with grace. It turns every moment, whether filled with joy or sadness, into an opportunity to grow closer to God.

Devotion isn't just for special occasions or heroic acts of faith. It touches every aspect of our lives. Just like sugar sweetens fruit, devotion makes all our daily duties—whether big or small—more pleasant, more meaningful, and more loving.

Jacob's Ladder: A Picture of the Devout Life

St. Francis offers the image of Jacob's ladder, which represents the devout life. The two sides of the ladder are prayer and the Sacraments, which connect us to God’s love. The steps of the ladder are acts of love, both towards God and towards others. As we climb this ladder, we grow in love and move closer to God, becoming more like the angels who joyfully serve and praise Him.

Those who live devout lives have bright, joyful faces because they accept everything—good or bad—with gentleness and trust in God's plan. Their hearts and minds are focused on pleasing God, not on worldly concerns. They live simply, using the things of this world in moderation, always keeping their eyes on their heavenly goal.

The True Beauty of Devotion

St. Francis beautifully describes devotion as the "queen of virtues," the most perfect expression of love. Just as cream is the richest part of milk, devotion is the most beautiful fruit of love. It brings light to our lives, joy to our hearts, and even causes angels to rejoice!

Inspiration for Us All

Devotion is not only for the saints or those who live in monasteries. It's for every one of us, in our daily lives. Whether we're working, caring for our families, or praying, devotion helps us do everything with greater love and joy. It transforms ordinary moments into opportunities to grow closer to God.

So, let us embrace devotion, not with fear of sacrifice, but with joy. As St. Francis reminds us, devotion is not just about doing difficult things—it's about allowing the love of God to fill our hearts and make everything, even the hard things, sweeter and more fulfilling.

Let’s open our hearts to the beauty and sweetness of true devotion, trusting that it will bring us not only closer to God but also greater peace and joy in our daily lives.