Simplicity.
“Be simple as doves.” — St. Matt. 10:16.
FIRST DAY.
Those who make profession of following the maxims of Jesus Christ should greatly esteem simplicity. Although, in the judgment of the wise ones of the world, there is nothing more contemptible than simplicity, it is, nevertheless, a very amiable virtue, because it directly conducts to the kingdom of God, and likewise gains for us the affections of me. — St. Francis of Sales.
St. Francis of Sales esteemed and loved simplicity. “I do not know what the virtue of prudence has done to me; it is hard for me to love it. If I love it, it is through necessity, because it is the light which directs us here below; but the beauty of simplicity ravishes me. It is true, the Gospel recommends the simplicity of the dove and the prudence of the serpent, but I would give a hundred serpents for one dove. I know both are useful when united; it seems to me one should do s is done in medicinal compositions: put in little of the viper and much of other salutary drugs.”
Prayer.
My God, give me simplicity, and never permit me to wound this amiable virtue.