Jane Frances de Chantal:Drink of Divine Grace

Yet, believe me, my dearest Son, this suffering is sent for the profit of your soul. Bear it then as sweetly and as patiently as you can. It will help to win heaven for you. Lift up your heart often to that blessed country.

The happiness that awaits us there is eternal, while the sorrows of this life soon pass away. And I beseech you, my own beloved Son, since your condition obliges you to row on the tempestuous sea of this world, try never to swallow its waters, but drink rather of those of Divine grace turning in all your needs with a loving, filial trust to that source of mercy.

Love above all else, and fear to displease, the God of sovereign goodness who alone can make you happy both here and hereafter. That you may possess in abundance His most precious graces is the abiding wish of her who with all her heart loves and cherishes you, her own special one.”

Jane Frances de Chantal (1572–1641) in Selected letters of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (London: Washbourne, 1918) in letter LXVII “To the Baron de Chantal” dated 1626.

Click here to read it online freely.

At the time of this letter, Jane Francis is 54 years old. We can imagine her writing her grown son who is suffering in some horrible way. Before we consider what she does, let us consider what often happens.

In the famous story of the Good Samaritan, we do well to recall the actions of the priest and the Levite. We would think they would stop to help but they did not. They likely had busy schedules and no margin to help. Sadly, this is the norm.

Many people are so busy, they don’t even have time to write a letter. That’s what Jane Frances did. That’s what we can learn from her today. Her generous letter points her son heavenward.

And what a word picture she uses, saying “…since your condition obliges you to row on the tempestuous sea of this world, try never to swallow its waters, but drink rather of those of Divine grace…”

For everyone reading this today who feels tossed on the “tempestuous sea of this world,” take her advice. Do not swallow its waters. Drink instead of divine grace.

Share this email with someone you know who is hurting to help them win heaven. What does that mean? It means rather than allow the suffering to drown them, you can send them a rope.

Many people don’t realize their need for God until they experience suffering. Only after Jane Frances lost her husband did she find God was all she needed. Your generous sharing can help them learn that lesson too.