The Catholic Church has many spiritualities. So many in fact that it is sometimes confusing. Where do we start? Francis De Sales wrote perhaps one of the best basic introductions to Catholic spirituality ever written. His Introduction To The Devout Life is a great place to start when looking for the essence of the Catholic spiritual life. There is so much to learn from De Sales, he is definitely a sure guide.
De Sales: On Errors At The Beginning Of The Spiritual Life
De Sales first points out that there is a right and a wrong way to start the spiritual life. If you start off on the wrong foot, those errors might grow with time. We have to know where to start, and remain on the right path. He says,
“there is only one true devotion, but there are many that are false and empty. If you are unable to identify which kind is true, you can easily be deceived and led astray by following one that is offensive [to God] and superstitious.”
Introduction to the Devout Life 1
De Sales offers a warning to those who want to follow God. He says that deception in the spiritual life is not only possible, but that there are more ways to be deceived than you can shake a stick at. The Devil likes to paint pictures just as much as God does, and he is more than willing to get people to follow his paths. De Sales spells these out…
The “False Catholic“
De Sales says that many people will devote themselves to fasting but but don’t fast from hatred in their heart. He will be concerned about not drinking wine, but will speak ill of others at the drop of a hat.
Another person might recite a “vast number” of prayers, yet, after having said them, speak in the most harmful, arrogant and disagreeable ways with his family, friends and neighbours.
Another might give to “the poor” yet not give kindness to those around him or her.
Another person might forgive “his enemies” but has to be taken to the court to pay any debts he might owe.
Another might show up at Mass to “worship,” but doesn’t worship God by showing his love to his mother or father.
De Sales points out, these people might be considered “spiritual” in the opinion of others. But they are not truly spiritual. Many people will falsely clothe themselves in one or another aspect of the spiritual life while neglecting the most important parts.
What Is The True Spiritual Life?
True spirituality comes from a genuine love of God, and flows from His grace in our lives.
Ostriches and hens may have wings, but they never attain to true flight like the eagle or a hawk. Likewise sinners never attain flight. True devotion is truly taking flight in the spiritual life. Grace from the Holy Spirit is the thing that gives flight. Those who have false spirituality never attain to true flight nor do they attain to God. They may have a good work “here or there,” but it is infrequent and slow. People with true spirituality will ascend to God frequently and swiftly says De Sales. This is something we should take note of.
True spirituality is what leads us up into God with love and grace working within us. Love will enable and allow us to observe all of God’s commandments without exception. It will do so “quickly and without difficulty.” Someone who doesn’t follow all of God’s commandments can’t be said to be truly spiritual. To be truly spiritual we must be ready and willing to perform loving actions in every situation.
True spirituality makes us active for every commandment and makes us able to perform them quickly. Love and true spirituality do not differ as fire and flame do not differ. They are one and the same. When we have true spirituality all else becomes easy. Love is the fire that bursts into the flame of true spirituality. True spirituality likewise bursts forth into love.
We fulfill not only God commandments, but every inspiration and spiritual direction we receive from God. So De Sales give us his first bits of advice.