One Hundred and Ninth Subject. Particular Friendships
Brother Philippe, Subjects for Particular Examen, 1870, pp. 168–170
- By respect of person, he will destroy himself.—ECCLES. xx. 24.
- A sentiment of sympathy, or of more sensible affection, which we experience for some one, does not always indicate a particular friendship, provided, however, that we combat it, that we refer it to God. But if we cultivate this sentiment, by words or by actions; if we establish with the person who is its object, a more frequent intercourse; if we procure communications, interviews; if we seek occasions to see, to speak, to be together, it is then that the devil and our own evil inclinations are in full league, to demand more, to obtain more, it is then that a particular friendship is culpable; it is then that it becomes fatal, by the unhappy consequences of which it is the principal cause.
- Particular friendships divide the heart, enfeebling insensibly the love for God, chilling the soul, destroying in it a taste for the exercises of piety, exposing it to succumb to many temptations, exciting jealousies, drawing contempt on both sides, and scandalizing others by exterior acts which are their consequences.
- Such persons take part, one for the other: they mutually sustain and defend each other; they exchange little attentions, offer little presents, render little services; little by little, familiarities are established and cemented; happy it the soul ends not by banishing God to establish in itself a creature; it is of such that St. Paul asks: Are you so foolish that whereas you began in the spirit you would now be made perfect by the flesh?
- Let us examine now whether we have not something to reproach ourselves with on this subject. Is there not some object which attracts us, captivates us, controls us? Do we not seek to be near this object, to see it, to address it? Does not the thought of this object occupy us as much, perhaps more, than that of God? Do we not make it our idol? Ah! if it were thus, with what misery should we not be menaced! Let us think then of the anathema of the Holy Spirit: Wo to them that are of a double heart; and let us follow the wise counsel which Joshua gave to the Hebrew people: Put away strange gods from among you. Destroy these idols in your hearts.—JOSH. xxiv. 23.
- Pause.
- ACT OF CONTRITION.—O my God, how culpable I am! I confess it sincerely; no! I love not my neighbor as Thou wouldst have me love him. It has not been for Thy sake I have loved him hitherto, but for myself and for mine own satisfaction. I ask pardon for it, by the merits of Jesus, the good Pastor, and by the intercession of Mary, Mother of sweet love.
- I make the resolution to......