|
98.1
First Point
Even
from his childhood Saint Sulpicius always showed such a great inclination
to virtue that he was given the name of pious, and his Bishop obliged him
to join the ranks of the clergy. Ah! what a very advantageous thing it is to
practice virtue early in life!
[i]
By this means we acquire a great facility for its practice and we perform
acts of virtue as though naturally.
This is also the advantage
of those who live in houses secluded from the world. Those who love their
state find nothing there but pleasure and satisfaction in all the
exercises of piety practiced there, because they have acquired a habit
that the fervor of grace and the love of God have made pleasing and
agreeable to them. Are you so disposed? Do you love above all things your
state in life and what is practiced in it?
98.2
Second Point
This
saint's piety brought him a great reputation, so that the king wished to
have him in his company. Although it is difficult to preserve the spirit
of religion in the midst of a court, this saint nevertheless behaved there
in such a prudent manner that he radiated about him an atmosphere of piety
which made him honored by everyone.
Your work requires you to
have some communication with neighbors outside the community. Take care
never to be among others without giving edification; be so well-mannered,
reserved, and self-controlled that you may be looked upon as spreading
the fragrance of Jesus Christ.
[ii]
So act that all your exterior appearance, all your words, and all your
actions may inspire virtue. That is why God wishes you to be among others.
Prepare yourself, therefore, in seclusion to cooperate with his
intentions.
98.3
Third Point
When
the Archbishopric of Bourges became vacant, the king named Saint Sulpice
to fill it. His piety caused him to be chosen in preference to all the
others who were seeking this dignity. It was his piety also that made him
labor with zeal and success for the salvation of souls. Ah! how true it
is, as Saint Paul says, that piety is useful for all things [iii]
and produces great blessings not only in those persons who possess it, but
also in those who see them, speak with them, and receive their
instructions. Everything in them preaches piety.
Can the same thing be said
of you, who should communicate this spirit to the children whom you have
to guide? Is it enough for them to see you in order to be well behaved? Is
your behavior sufficient to encourage them to practice virtue? Does
everything you tell them produce in them the spirit of piety and religion?
This is the main benefit which you should impart to them, the best gift
you can give them when they leave you.
|