Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

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Salesian Sunday Reflection

10th Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 8, 2008

In today’s Gospel we experience Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners, and calling for mercy not sacrifice. St. Francis de Sales understands the struggles of the sinner:

Although light is beautiful and pleasing to our eyes, it tends to blind us after being in the dark for a long time. So it is with this change to your new way of life. It may cause you problems. Even though you’ve said farewell to the follies of this culture, things will seem a little strange just because they are new. So at times you may feel sad and discouraged. Yet, such feelings will pass and countless blessings will ensue.

Like Mary Magdalene, you must be willing to experience confusion. It is very good to experience confusion when we feel our imperfections. It shows us our limits. However, we must not stop there. Confusion can move us from trusting in ourselves to trusting in God, who is infinitely good in exercising justice and mercy. God’s justice makes us avoid all that is evil. God’s mercy has us embrace all that is good.

Even those who are very holy in this life are always subject to committing some imperfection. Thus, in knowing this truth, we ought to remain at peace. Otherwise, we will be troubled with the unrealistic expectation of never committing any imperfection. Nothing is more favorable to the growth of these “weeds” than our anxiety and overeagerness to get rid of them. We must have a strong and constant commitment never to be so cowardly as to commit any imperfection willingly. But we must not be astonished or troubled at seeing that we are subject to falling into these imperfections, even often. Have the courage to pick yourself up after a fall. There is no better way of growing in perfection than always starting over again and thinking there is more to be done. Resolve not to sin, but do not be astonished or troubled when you do fall into sin. We must rather confide ourselves to the goodness and mercy of God, who, for all that, does not love us less.

(Adapted from the writings of St. Francis de Sales, especially Sermons, L. Fiorelli, Ed.)