Since God often sends us inspirations by means of His angels, we should frequently return our aspirations to him by means of the same messengers.
Saint Francis De SalesRead
The elephant, not only the largest but the most intelligent of animals, provides us with an excellent example. It is faithful and tenderly loving to the female of its choice, mating only every third year and then for no more than five days, and so secretly as never to be seen, until, on the sixth day, it appears and goes at once to wash its whole body in the river, unwilling to return to the herd until thus purified. Such good and modest habits are an example to husband and wife.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the elephant's loving and respectful behavior towards its mate, suggesting it serves as a model for human relationships.
Saint Francis De Sales uses the example of elephants to illustrate the virtues of loyalty, modesty, and care in relationships. Elephants are depicted as faithful companions, choosing their partners carefully and maintaining a profound sense of respect and purity. This analogy encourages humans to adopt similar values in their marital lives, emphasizing the importance of commitment and tenderness between partners.
Themes
ElephantRelationshipsLoveFaithfulnessPurityHabits
In practice
Example use cases
During a wedding ceremony to highlight the importance of loyalty and purity in marriage.
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Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. I mean do not be disheartened by your imperfections, but always rise up with fresh courage
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Represent to yourself a dark city all burning and stinking with fire and brimstone. The damned are in the depth of hell within this woful city, where they suffer unspeakable torments in all their senses and members. Consider above all the eternity of their pains, which above all things makes hell intolerable.
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Lately I was near the beehives and some of the bees flew onto my face. I wanted to raise my hand, and brush them off. 'No,' said a peasant to me, 'do not be afraid, and do not touch them. They will not sting you at all, if you touch them they will bite you.' I trusted him; not one bit me. Trust me; do not fear these temptations. Do not touch them; they will not hurt you.
Saint Francis De SalesRead
There is no better means of attainment to the spiritual life Than by continually beginning again.
Saint Francis De SalesRead
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