When we hear of the two sons, one who made a vow and didn't fulfill it and the other who made no vow but nevertheless did what was good, we might ask whether it is beneficial to make a vow or promise to the Lord.
We ought not to make a vow or a promise to God carelessly, lest we commit a greater sin by not fulfilling our vow. However, we also recognize that many acts of devotion do not involve a strict vow but rather are a commitment to striving to improve.
It is good to make vows or promises to the Lord for at least three reasons: 1) That which we vow is now offered as an act of religion. 2) We give God not only the present good work, but also the future works which are vowed. 3) Our resolve is strengthened to persevere in the good work even when it is difficult.
Finally, we discuss the Vow of Widowhood as presented by St Francis de Sales.
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