When Tempted to Sin, Follow St. Francis de Sales’ Advice

“My son, when you come to serve God, prepare your soul for temptation.” –Ecclus. (Sirach) 2:1

St. Francis de Sales, whose feast we celebrate on 24th January (29th January in the Extraordinary Form) in his book Introduction to the Devout Life, explains what you should do when you are initially tempted.

So soon as you feel yourself anywise tempted, do as our little children when they see a wolf or a bear in the mountains. Forthwith they run to the protection of their father or mother, or at least cry out for help. Do you fly in like manner to God, claiming His compassion and succour,—it is the remedy taught us by our Lord Himself: “Pray that ye enter not into temptation.”

If, nevertheless, the temptation persists or increases, hasten in spirit to embrace the holy Cross, as though you beheld…