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| Monthly Salesian inspirationSeptember The start of a new school year and new projects can be overwhelming. But Salesian Spirituality trusts our implicit ability to rise to a challenge. “You have already passed through a number of trials by the grace of God,” St. Francis said. “The same grace will be there for you in all occasions to come.” This month, as you tackle new challenges, take a moment to consider the wisdom and grace you’ve gleaned from past ones. You may recall some relevant strategies and, hopefully, you’ll gain a clearer, calmer perspective.
October
This month we remember the Salesian virtue of humility, which runs so counter to our award-seeking culture. As a wife, mother, widow and nun, St. Jane always fostered humility. She took heart in St. Augustine’s words: “If I am asked the way to heaven, I shall answer you, it is humility; and if I am asked again by what road we can go to heaven, I shall still answer, by humility.” How can you practice humility today? What pride is standing in your way? Why are you clinging to it?
November
As the temperature drops, Salesian Spirituality calls us to warmth. We must share that warmth with our neighbors in need. “You must not only be devout and love devotion,” St. Francis once explained, “but you must render it lovable to everyone. Now you will make it lovable if you render it useful and pleasing. The sick will love your devotion if they receive care and comfort from it; your family will love it if they see you more attentive to their well-being..; your spouse will love it in seeing that…you become more warm and affectionate…In short, you must make your devotion attractive.” Make your devotion attractive today, and warm up this chilly place.
December
Psychologists say the holiday season plunges many into depression. It is a brittle time of year that invites many stresses: unusually long to-do lists, unusually long check-out lines, unusually high utility bills. Salesian Spirituality brings about calm in the storm. St. Jane was an expert at maintaining serenity amid chaos. “If you cast all anxious thoughts and cares on the Lord,” she said, “He will take care of you.” Try it today.
January
This month of new beginnings and new gym memberships, heed St. Francis’ advise and make just one resolution: to be more patient with yourself. Growing toward perfection is a daunting goal. So take baby steps. Be a bit more diligent in guarding your prayer time. Increase your charitable giving a notch. Be less judgmental. And when you fail, rather than stewing in irritation, pick yourself up with a gentle understanding. “Say to yourself, ‘There, we have made a mistake, but let’s go on now and be more careful,’” St. Francis said. That response to a misstep leads to progress and peace.
February
Hallmark wants us to worry this amorous month, but Scripture advises the opposite, saying that perfect love casts out fear. That’s the Salesian spirit. “First thing in the morning, prepare your heart to be at peace,” St. Francis once instructed. “Then take great care throughout the day to call it back to that peace frequently and, as it were, to again take your heart in your hand.”
March
The purifying season of Lent can feel very long. But Salesian Spirituality focuses on each day, rather than the chain of 40. “In order to journey steadily,” St. Francis said, “we must apply ourselves to doing well the stretch of road immediately before us and not waste time wanting to do the last lap of the way.” What is the lesson today? How is this stretch of road drawing you closer to God?
April
On Easter we celebrate the ultimate triumph of life over death. Jesus’ resurrection – and, hence, ours – eclipses everything else. Our long to-do lists, packed calendars and stubborn worries are secondary. Salesian Spirituality sees and embraces that clear-cut priority. St. Francis said, “God alone is our peace, our consolation and our glory.” Think about that statement. It may prompt you to put things in perspective. How has the resurrection brought you glory? How has it brought you consolation? And how has it brought you peace? Utter this short mantra throughout your day: “God alone.”
May
Cheerfulness has become an underrated virtue, one that is often mistaken for naiveté or obnoxiousness. But Sts. Jane and Francis emphasized its importance in peaceful relations and effective evangelism. This month of transitions, of goodbyes and hellos, the completion of some tasks and the beginning of others, practice a cheerful attitude. “Love the will of God and the obligations it entails,” St. Francis said, “even if it means performing the most menial tasks in the world the rest of your life, because whatever sauce God chooses for us, it should be all the same to us.”
June
As we trudge through ordinary time, remember the Salesian belief that the ordinary can become extraordinary. Look for simple opportunities to practice little virtues – kindness, graciousness, humility – as you go about your daily routine. Kindness to the slow-moving driver. Graciousness to the visitor. Humility in the face of success. Each little act can be performed with great love.
July
In the flurry of barbeques and ball games, are you making time for prayer? St. Francis instructs us, “Times of prayers must become so much a part of our day that we never omit them except out of great necessity.” St. Jane echoed that advice. “Happy the soul that loves prayer and perseveres in it despite every difficulty.” This month, persevere despite every difficulty and enjoy a happy soul.
August
The heat of August can be tiring, but it can remind us of the refiner’s fire: We are works in progress, enduring tests and trials that bring us closer to God. Growing pains are natural, St. Francis said. “Don’t lose heart, be patient. I have no doubt that God is holding you by the hand; if he allows you to stumble, it is only to let you know that if he were not holding your hand, you would fall. That is how he gets you to take tighter hold of his hand.”
Click here for a biography of St. Francis de Sales.
Click here for a biography of St. Jane de Chantal.
Click here for Monthly Salesian Reflections.
Click here for more Salesian resources.
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