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Gary G. Hoag
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”— Matthew 11:28-29
“Now that you are working in the Province of Lyons, my very dear Father, we shall have no opportunity of seeing you for a long time, yet it is not for us to gainsay what God arranges. May He be blessed in all things. But, very dear Father, I am taking advantage of the liberty which in your charity you have given me to continue importuning you with my confidence, and I do so in all simplicity.
I gave four days to the Exercises (Retreat), and no more, on account of the amount of business that has come unexpectedly upon me. During those days I realized how much I need to labour at acquiring humility and at bearing with my neighbor. I have been trying to acquire these virtues during the past year, and with Our Lord's help have practiced them somewhat. But it is His doing, not mine, and if it please Him I will so continue as He gives me many opportunities for the practice of them.”
Jane Frances de Chantal (1572–1641) in Selected letters of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (London: Washbourne, 1918) in letter LXXVII “To St. Vincent de Paul” dated 1627.
Click here to read it online freely.
Today marks the second to last post from this priceless collection of letters. We learn a lot from this one. For sure I will return to this book sometime in the future.
Remember Vincent de Paul served as a spiritual director to Jane Frances. At this time she is now 55 years old. Never to old to block time with Jesus to learn.
My wife, Jenni, is a spiritual director. She’s the Soulcare Anchoress. You can learn more about what this means by clicking here to visit her website or here to subscribe to her fortnightly Spigot.
Notice Vincent suggested that she practice the Exercises on retreat. This reference points to the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. My wife loves to facilitate such retreats.
The Exercises served as spiritual practices to strengthen Jane Frances and her walk with God. But notice Jane Frances was busy with many things. Perhaps you can relate?
Despite her busy schedule, when practicing the Exercises for four days, God revealed to her that she needed to acquire humility and grow in bearing with her neighbor.
What if you planned such a retreat? No kidding, my wife and I are actually taking a four day retreat through 2 September 2026.
Though we may not do the Exercises, we may practice an aspect of them called the Examen. In so doing, we will learn things from God and find rest in Him.
My schedule is full. I am sure yours is too. But Jesus is calling to us. Can you hear Him. He is saying, “Come to me.”
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