As human beings we are more alike than we are different. One characteristic we all share is that each of us, at some point in our lives, has made a mistake and, despite our good will and intentions, will probably continue to make them.
Saint Francis de Sales was aware of this. In fact, he said that the spiritual life itself is comprised largely of mistakes because it is in our mistakes that we realize our own humanity, our own limits, and our need for God. He writes, “We must never be astonished at finding ourselves imperfect…because there is no cure for it.” Saint Francis asks us to acknowledge something we’d often rather avoid; namely, that as humans we are not, and will not be, perfect. Instead, we must ask ourselves how we respond to our mistakes.
Do we:
Take the time to learn from them or dismiss them?
Take responsibility when it is our fault or blame others?
Do we work to correct it or resort to self-pity?
Are we honest and accountable or do we play the victim?
Finally, Saint Francis also reminds us that after every mistake there is one thing we must do: pick ourselves up and continue moving forward as Jesus did when carrying the cross to Calvary. During that walk Jesus was physically battered, emotionally drained, and going through physical upheaval. Yet, after each fall, Jesus picked Himself up and continued going forward and persevered until He reached His destination. How did He do it? First, Jesus was supported through His prayer, His constant communication with the Father who loved Him and was with Him during His suffering. Second, Jesus was supported by His friends who met Him on the way like His mother Mary, Mary Magdalene and the Beloved Disciple, John.
Sometimes we can feel this way too: like we are carrying the weight of the world as we go through our days. And the tools that Jesus used, prayer and friendship, we ought to use too. By prayer we share our most intimate needs, desires, hopes, dreams and fears with God. We ask God to be with us on the way. And in friendship, we become closer to the people who will walk with us during our successes and our mistakes.
When it comes to rising from our mistakes, let’s:
Recognize our mistakes (our imperfections)
Take responsibility for their consequences
Pray & patiently try to change ourselves to avoid making them
Tell others what we are doing
Persevere in making the needed adjustments as we try and try again
As Saint Francis advises, “Perfection consists in fighting against our imperfections…In this enterprise, we must have courage and patience…in this…we are always victorious provided we are willing to fight.” In other words, we fail only when we fall and decide to remain down. We are perfect when we fall and then rise again, trusting in God’s love and mercy, and determined to change and do better.
May God be praised!
