Catholic Classics Day 28: Advice for Leisurely Activities (Introduction to the Devout Life)
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Nov 20, 2022 AI Snips
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St John’s Partridge Shows Rest Preserves Devotion
- St. John the Evangelist cared for a partridge to illustrate the value of occasional relaxation for spiritual attentiveness.
- The hunter asked why he tended a bird; St. John answered that occasional rest preserves spiritual vigor for contemplation.
When Recreation Becomes Occupation
- Innocent recreations like walking, music, hunting, tennis, and chess are permissible when ordered by prudence, time, place, and measure.
- Danger arises when play becomes an occupation, consuming time or affections beyond refreshment into attachment.
Avoid Games of Chance Because They Distort Reward
- Avoid games of dice, cards, and chance because they reward luck instead of industry and foster anxiety, disquiet, and injustice.
- St. Francis argues civil and ecclesiastical laws forbid them and that gambling turns recreation into violent occupation.