Practical devotion of the day: the need for a norm of life

A STANDARD OF LIFE

1. Need for a standard of life. The norm is the order; and the more ordered things are, the more perfect they are, says St. Augustine. If you look at the sky, everything is constant order, and the sun never strayed from its path. What regularity, perfect in the succession of the seasons! All nature obeys a rule that God imprinted on the universe. For us, having a rule in the day means living in order, with joy in our hearts; it is to live not by chance, but well. If you kept this maxim! Instead, what a mess in you!

2. Standard for spiritual things. What is it worth, in prayer, in mortifications, in fighting the passions, doing too much one day, and the next day nothing more? Create a suitable norm, says Sales, after consulting your spiritual director, and follow it; thus, like the religious, you will be sure of doing God's will, you will avoid the confusion, the boredom caused by the uncertainty in working. Every night, how many deserves you will be sure of! But does it cost so much to have such a rule? Why don't you settle it?

3. Constancy in following the norm. When you can't observe it, don't worry about it, says Sales, but resume observing it the next day, and follow it with perseverance; you will find the fruit at the end of life. Do not leave it out for infidelity. God is constant with them; not for lightness, which is about your soul; not out of disgust at always doing the same; only those who persevere will be saved. What's your rule? how do you follow her?

PRACTICE. - Set a standard of living, at least for the practices of piety and for the most important actions of your state.