"The object of devotion is not sighs, tears, and spiritual delight. Many experience some pleasant consolations and remain vicious people. They have neither the true love of God nor authentic devotion. When Saul chased David into the wilderness, he entered a cave where David and his men were hiding. David had opportunities to kill Saul, but he spared his life. As Saul was leaving in safety, David called out to Saul to prove his own innocence and to demonstrate his mercy. Saul was touched. He called David his child, wept, and thanked him. There could have been no greater display of sweetness and tenderness on Saul's part. Even so, Saul's heart had not changed and he did not cease from pursuing David with cruelty.
In the same way, some people think about God's goodness and our Saviour's passion, and feel a great tenderness of heart. They may even utter sighs and tearful prayers. They seem to be filled with intense devotion. But when a test comes, what a difference! A passing shower in the hot summer sends down great drops of rain. They fall to earth but do not sink in. All they do is produce mushrooms. Likewise, these tender tears fail to penetrate the heart. For all the display of devotion they will not contribute a penny of their ill gotten wealth. They will not surrender one of their perversities. They will not endure the lease inconvenience for the service of the suffering Christ they were just weeping over. Any good feelings they get from their moment of devotion are nothing but spiritual mushrooms.
These things play tricks on us. They keep us from looking for a more authentic devotion to God. True devotion is a constant, determined, prompt, and active will to do what we know is pleasing to God." - Francis de Sales: The Devout Life as prepared for Modern Readers by Bernard Bangley, Harold Shaw Publishers.
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