In his writings, he often includes metaphors from the natural world. Some are quite quaint, and some of these are scientifically impossible. De Sales died in 1622, so he can probably be excused for diverging from lacking the modern understanding of the natural world. There are still lessons to be drawn from them, as in the quote below (taken from the Treatise on the Love of God):
Cool wine will briefly cool the one who drinks it. As it warms the stomach, it begins to warm the drinker. The more heat it receives, the more heat it gives. True love works the same way. It is eager to please those in whom it finds pleasure. The result of this is that we become like those we love.
I heard of a little land animal in the Indies that enjoys swimming with fish. By engaging in this activity, it becomes a fish. A land animal actually turns into a marine animal. When we enjoy God, we become conformed to God.
Perhaps in some respects, likening the spiritual life to this metaphor of the land-animal-who-becomes-a-fish isn't as "off-the-wall” as it first seems. Because there are times when it seems every bit as improbable to imagine that I could become “conformed to God”. I have such a long, long way to go. But again, St. Francis de Sales offers wise counsel:
It is not possible to gain control over your soul all at once and have it immediately in your power. Be satisfied, therefore, with gaining control of it little by little, and so learn how to conquer your dominant passion. If you have to put up with others, begin by putting up with yourself. Be patient at finding that you are not perfect. Do you want to enjoy interior peace without having to suffer the day-to-day contradictions and setbacks? Every morning prepare your soul to face the day without getting upset, and throughout the day be careful to return to this resolution.
And so, let us continue to advance in the direction of our goal, knowing that we will not arrive there all at once, but only little by little.
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