Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

New DeSales World Newsletter - Summer Edition

Practice of Gentleness

Gentleness is the second great pillar of Salesian Spirituality. It both flows from - and strengthens the practice of - humility. If we are truthful about ourselves then we will treat ourselves and one another in a manner which is truthful.

Gently.

Reflect on these insights that St. Francis de Sales offers to you. May they strengthen your resolve - and your ability - to be gentle with everyone: yourself, and others.

"We ought not to become overly disturbed with
ourselves because of our imperfections."
(In III 9)

"We must be on guard against too
strong a disappointment, chagrin and anger.
Many people are at fault in this:
They become enraged at being angry,
disturbed at being disturbed
and vexed at being vexed."
(In III 9)

"We correct ourselves better by a calm and lasting repentance
than by one that is bitter and angry."
(In III 9)

"Lift your heart up gently whenever it falls.
Humble yourself before God, but do not be astonished by
your fall since it is not surprising that weakness is weak,
frailty is frail and misery is miserable!"
(In III 9)

"Just as humility perfects us with respect to God
gentleness perfects us with respect to our neighbor."
(In III 8)

"Let us walk on the way with our brothers and sisters
gently, peacefully and amiably."
(In III 8)

"It is important to resist evil and address the faults of those
placed in our care,
and this must be done constantly and courageously,
but gently and peacefully."
(In III 8)

"You must not only have a kind word
for your neighbors and for strangers, but also for the people
with whom you live and your closest friends."
(In III 8)

"When humility and gentleness are genuine
they keep us from the "swelling" of the heart
which injuries and maliciousness can cause.
If, however, when stung and bitten by others we become proud,
"swollen" and irritated, it is because our humility and our gentleness
are not true and sincere, but false and illusory."
(In III 8)

"When we discover that our lute is out of tune
we must neither break the strings
nor throw the instrument aside."
(S IX 2)

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing is so gentle
as real strength."
(S IV 9)

"When you encounter difficulties and contradictions
do not try to break them,
but bend them with gentleness and time."
(LR I 6)

"Those who can preserve gentleness amid pains,
and peace amid the worry and
multitude of affairs,
is almost perfect."
(LR II 25)

"All is gentle to the gentle."
(LR VI 28)