Pastor's Reflection - August 30, 2026

St. Francis de Sales & Spiritual Encouragement

     This past week, a series of challenging events led me to revisit one of my favorite spiritual books by St. Francis de Sales.

     In Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales reminds us that holiness is not reserved for monks, priests, or those who live apart from the world. Every person, whatever their vocation, responsibilities, or circumstances, is called to grow in love for God.

     St. Francis teaches that devotion must fit the life we are actually living. A parent, student, worker, grandparent, or caregiver can become holy through ordinary duties performed with extraordinary love. Prayer, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and faithfulness are not small things when they are offered to God.

     He also encourages us to begin gently and faithfully. Spiritual growth is not achieved all at once. Like a garden, the soul needs daily care: time for prayer, reflection on God’s Word, participation in the sacraments, and a willingness to begin again after failure. God is patient with us, and we should learn to be patient with ourselves.

     True devotion, St. Francis reminds us, should make us more compassionate, joyful, humble, and charitable. If our faith does not touch the way we speak, work, forgive, and treat others, then it has not yet fully entered our hearts.

     This week, let us seek God not only in church or in moments of quiet prayer, but also in the ordinary responsibilities of life. May we discover that every moment can become an opportunity for love and that every day is an invitation to become more fully the person God created us to be.

In Christ,

Fr. James Northrop