Jane Frances de Chantal:Give Simply and inall Sincerity

As for me I tell you, trustfully, in confidence, that when I was speaking to our Lord about this affair His divine goodness seemed to make manifest to me that He Himself led you here with His own hand. This consoled me and made me resolve to give you what He commands, and this my dearly loved Sister is my answer to what you ask.

I give it simply and in all sincerity. O how happy you are to have been thus called by God to this most excellent service. Respond courageously to such abundant graces and remain very humble and faithful to His holy will.”

Jane Frances de Chantal (1572–1641) in Selected letters of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (London: Washbourne, 1918) in letter V “To Madame d’Auxerre” dated 1614.

Click here to read it online freely.

Today’s excerpt comes from her letter to Madame d’Auxerre, Foundress of the Monastery of the Visitation at Lyons, France. Now Jane Frances is 42 years old and she did not know what God had in store for her future.

As everyone reading this qualifies as a giver, please read this closely with your giving hat on. And spoiler alert, Jane Frances did not know at this time that God would use her resources and influence to establish more than 80 monasteries.

Madame d’Auxere wanted to form a “little community” in Lyons. She needed support to follow this calling. But notice she got more than a gift from Jane Frances.

Jane Frances put money to work to accomplish God’s purposes. As a soul surrendered completely to Jesus. She gave the gift simply. But she also gave it in all sincerity. The letter drips with encouragement and love.

What if you gave that way? This week think about helping meet the real needs of someone building a community. And include a note with your gift. And what if God wants your giving journey to help not one but 80 communities in your lifetime?

Urge those you aid to pursue their calling courageously and to remain humble and faithful. And if you receive such a gift this week, do remain humble and faithful to your calling. And watch God replenish your resources for more rich generosity.

At this time, Generosity Monk is building a “little community” to inspire people worldwide to live simply, give sacrificially, serve humbly, and love generously in the way of Jesus. Visit the website here to learn more.

My calling has become a community. Together with you, I pray we can engage the next generation with video and social channels. Want to help us build capacity to do this? Set up monthly giving here. And you can send kind notes too.