Meekness
Learn of Me that I am meek and humble of heart. St. Matt. 11:29.
EIGHTH DAY.
When you are about to make any arrangements, decide upon any affair, or desire to persuade a person to do anything, make it a rule to act with as much sweetness as possible. You will succeed much better by a yielding, humble manner than by taking an austere or disputing tone. Who does not know that one will catch more flies with an ounce of honey than with a hundred barrels of vinegar? — St. Francis of Sales.
It was by patience and cordiality that St. Vincent de Paul, who might well be called an angel of peace, succeeded in the numerous affairs he had in charge. He recommended the practice of meekness and affability. “These virtues open the heart,” he said, “while severity closes it.” He added: “The Bishop of Geneva has converted more souls by his sweetness than by his learning.” He repeated what the Cardinal of Perron was in the habit of saying: “I am certain to convince the heretics, but to convert them we must send them to Francis of Sales.”
Prayer.
My God, I make the resolution to speak and act always with meekness, and rather to yield humbly than dispute. Grant that by sweetness and affability I may become an angel of peace, that I may gain hearts to Thy service.