Profound Humility, Great Gentleness

St. Francis de Sales founded, with St. Jane de Chantal, the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary.  It is an Order of which I'm quite fond, as I find many of its main charisms not only appealing, but quite practical for those whose vocations call us to live in the midst of the world.

One of the main charges Francis entrusted to his Visitation daughters is one I have embraced as a deeply cherished personal call.  I meditate upon it, ponder its "adjectives," pray for its virtues, and most of all:  try to put it into practice every day of my life.

Strive to live, said St. Francis de Sales...

"..in profound humility toward God and great gentleness toward the neighbor." 

As I come before the Blessed Sacrament, when I'm at Mass, as I pray at home:  may I practice profound humility.

As I tend to a little one, care for someone needing me, welcome a neighbor:  may I practice great gentleness.

Profound humility toward God.
Great gentleness toward the neighbor. 

For me, it is an in-a-nutshell phrase that pretty much covers it all.   

"Jesus said to them: 'you shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with your whole mind.... you shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"  (Matthew 22:37 and 39)

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