Something for Sunday Morning

The Oath of Small Love

I shall bear the idiosyncrasies of others with patience.
I shall bear the clownish actions of my neighbor with patience.
I shall bear the troublesome ways of my neighbor with patience.
I shall conquer my moods.
I shall conquer my passions.
I will mortify my lesser inclinations.
I shall strive against my aversions and repugnances.
I shall acknowledge my imperfections.
I shall take continual pains to keep my soul in equanimity.
I shall love my littleness.
I shall gently and graciously welcome the contempt and censure of my condition.
I shall practice gracious and gentle conversation and actions.

Adapted from St. Francis de Sales, Treatise on the Love of God, Book 12, Chapter 6