“Considering our Neighbor:” A Prayer from St. Francis de Sales

by Melissa Borgmann-Kiemde, Vis Companion

St. Francis de Sales

August 30
We must consider our neighbor in relationship to God, Who wants us to love him … and we are to be interested in him even when this is distasteful for us. The resistance of the inferior part of our soul will be overcome by the frequent performance of good acts. To this end, however, we must center our prayers and meditations of the love of our neighbor, having first implored the love of God. We must ask for the grace to love especially those we do not like very much. (Letters 217; O. XIII, pp. 268-270)

What is it to open the door at the Visitation Monastery in North Minneapolis? What is it to open the door where you live? Who comes knocking or ringing the bell? Who is “the neighbor”? What do they look like? Sound like? What is brought or given by our neighbors? What is requested by them? Who are we in this equation? How are our interactions with the people alongside us in our communities –  mutually honoring or beneficial exchanges? When do these interactions fill us up with joy and gratitude? When do these exchanges feel “distasteful” — leaving us angry or frustrated?

Enter: St. Francis de Sales’ words.

Today, I’m praying with this text in mind.  Imploring the Love of God, I ask for the grace to love especially those who I don’t like very much (in my work place, on the street, in traffic, where I run errands). I am also asking God for the grace to see, with Love’s eyes, how I am neighbor to another. What I give, what I request, that I might participate in interactions with others that are life-giving, not life-taking.

Will you join me?

Peace. Prayers.
Amen.