Listen to the entire translation of “Introduction to the Devout Life” by St. Francis de Sales read by Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk!

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We think feeling far from God (desolation) is bad, and feeling close to God (consolation) is good, but St. Francis de Sales has a different take.

Even if desolation doesn’t go away, and consolation doesn’t last forever, God allows these periods to draw us closer to Him.

How?

Periods of desolation can be opportunities to turn away from sin.

St. Francis recommends:
1. Eradicate any and all habitual mortal sin
2. Address lingering attachments to sin
3. Eliminate distractions
4. Let go and trust that God loves you, even if you don’t feel it

What about consolation?
🔸Give thanks to God
🔸Acknowledge that this isn’t something you accomplished
🔸Consider confiding in a trusted friend or spiritual director to keep you grounded
🔸Remember that consolation is not the goal of the spiritual life

In the end, St. Francis reminds us that you are not the sum total of your emotional experiences, you are the sum total of the Father’s love for you.

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