Catholic Classics Day 22: The Necessity and Caution of Friendship (Introduction to the Devout Life)
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Nov 14, 2022 AI Snips
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Flirtations Escalate From Sparks To Ruin
- Flirtations are empty attachments that often begin as innocent admiration but habitually escalate toward sensuality and anxiety.
- St. Francis de Sales describes stages: spark, mutual glances, amorous words, jealousy, and eventual ruin of heart and reputation.
Friendship That Communicates Virtue Leads To God
- True friendship communicates virtue and centers on shared devotion, making souls "one spirit" focused on God.
- St. Francis holds holy communion in charity as superior to intellectual or social bonds, lasting eternally and likened to pure gold.
Form Holy Particular Friendships In The World
- Cultivate particular friendships among worldly people to encourage and support virtue, while avoiding undue partiality that divides good from evil.
- St. Francis argues these holy partialities help travelers on rugged spiritual roads stay secure.