Simplicity – Seventh Day of July

Simplicity.
“Be simple as doves.” — St. Matt. 10:16.

SEVENTH DAY. 

When a soul that is simple wishes to say or do something, it is content to consider if it be expedient to do so, without taking time to consider if it be expedient to do so, without taking time to consider what other may think or say. After having decided upon what to do, she thinks no more of it. If thoughts of what other may think come to mind, she makes no account of them, because she seeks only to please God, not creatures, and this is all that the love of God requires. — St. Francis of Sales.

This holy bishop at one time made a visit to the Carthusians. The General, who was a man eminent in piety and science, received him with great affability. Having entertained him for a length of time discoursing on holy things, he begged to be excused, saying that if he left him, it was because he was obliged to attend the matins, as it was the feast of a saint of the Order. As this excellent religious was going to his cell he met the purveyor, who represented to him that he thought he had done wrong to leave the holy bishop, as there was no one else capable of entertaining him. “We have not every day in our solitude so illustrious a prelate, while you are at liberty every day to assist at matins,” he said. “I think you are right,” said the General. Returning immediately to the saint, he related with great simplicity what had been said to him, making excuses for the fault he had committed without thinking, as he expressed the saint was in admiration at so great a simplicity, more struck, he said, than if he had witnessed a miracle.

Prayer.

Before doing any action, I will think of the consequence, lest I displease Thee, O my God. In doing this I will examine no more whether men oppose or blame. It is Thee alone I will seek, and will seek forever more.

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