Sitting at my desk last Thursday, I spent some time pondering the focus of my reflection for this issue of the DeSales Weekly. After a few moments, I realized that everything that came to my mind was rather sad and tragic. Topics presented themselves like: the pandemic, global warming, the continual reality of violence and war around the globe, fires consuming the western U.S. and other countries, poverty, and more. I thought, “Who wants to hear about this stuff? It’s just depressing.”
So, I began to search for something a bit more uplifting. St. Francis de Sales is known as a Christian Humanist, one who regards humanist principles like universal human dignity, individual freedom, and the importance of happiness as essential and principal or even exclusive components of the teachings of Jesus. I’ve always appreciated this dimension of the patron of my community, the Oblates.
I was told as a novice that the Spiritual Directory that St. Francis wrote for the Sisters of the Visitation, and adopted by Fr. Brisson for the Oblates, came with the directive to follow the directory as their spiritual guide. It also came with the caveat, “If this doesn’t work for your spiritual development, follow what does.” Even in my youthful, naive state, I realized this was unique and a great gift Francis gave those who followed his spiritual direction. It reflected his honor and respect for every person and their uniqueness.
Reflecting on this graced insight of St. Francis, I also found myself thinking that the optimism found in Christian Humanism and Francis de Sales comes with a light spirit and a sense of humor. I love his famous comment to St. Jane de Chantal in a discussion about her spiritual journey and the founding of the Sisters of the Visitation. St. Jane was earnestly devoted to the project. Acknowledging the fashion of the day for wearing very low-cut dresses, which St. Jane followed, Francis suggested to Jane, “If the inn is closed, it may be wise to put out a no vacancy sign.” Don’t you love that? I’ve chuckled over that remark many times.
The optimism of St. Francis is a joyful heart ready to see the good in every person and situation. It resists the temptation to dwell on the negative and let soberness and sadness remain in the heart. Francis also said, “A sad saint is a sorry saint.”
So, as you live through this day, look at the bright side. Lift your heart to the joy of God’s love and the wonder of the world God has brought around you. As the psalmist proclaims: I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. (Ps 118:19)
Rev. Jack Loughran, OSFS, Provincial
Detroit-Toledo Province
