Brave Fenelon

François Fénelon (1651–1715) was a French Catholic archbishop, theologian, and writer. Fénelon gained prominence as the tutor to the Duke of Burgundy, heir to the French throne. He was known to critique monarchical powers and once wrote a public letter admonishing King Louis the 14th. He accused him of ingratiating himself rather than seeking the welfare of the people in France. He urged the king to “...humble yourself before God’s powerful hand if you do not want Him to humble you”. Of course, such boldness angered the king and would lead to his expulsion from the royal court. I simply want to share with you a short, but powerful writing of Fenelon ’s that is a needed reminder for all believers:

One of the cardinal rules of the spiritual life is that we are to live in the present moment. You remember that the Israelites in the desert followed the pillar of fire or cloud, not knowing where it was leading them. They had a supply of manna for only one day, and any they gathered for the next day became useless. There is no need to move in haste. Think only of laying a solid foundation. See that this foundation is deep and broad by absolutely renouncing yourself, and by abandoning yourself without reserve to the requirements of God. Then let God raise upon this foundation whatever type of building he pleases. Shut your eyes and commit yourself to him. How wonderful is this walking with Abraham in pure faith, not knowing where we are going! And how full of blessings is the path! God will be your Guide. He himself will travel with you, as we are told he did with the Israelites, to bring them step-by-step across the desert to the Promised Land. Now, how blessed you will be if only you will surrender yourself into the hands of God, permitting him to do whatever is his will, not according to your desires, but according to his own good pleasure!