TAKE TIME TO PREACH

Saint Francis is remembered for his greatness and goodness in spreading the Gospel of Christ – His Lord. His writings still inspire people today.

One day he said to a fellow “brother” who lived with him in the monastery, “Let’s go to town and preach to the people.”

As they walked the dusty road, they stopped to talk to people and play games with the children. Tired and hungry, St. Francis turned to his young companion and said, “Let’s return to the monastery.”

“But,” protested his young colleague, “when do we preach to the people?”

“Every step we took,” said St. Francis, “and every word we spoke and every smile we shared with the people and everything we did was our sermon. We have been preaching all day!”

The only sermon some people will ever hear are the words that come from our lips, and the only preaching that many will “listen” to is what they see in our lives. For many, we are what we say, and our lives demonstrate we believe.

John wrote, “Those who say they live in God should live as Christ did.” To live as Jesus did, we must obey His teachings and follow His example and do as He did – show others God’s love.

Years ago, a hymn writer asked most effectively: “Can others see Jesus in you?”

Prayer:  Father, may the disturbing words of that hymn trouble our minds and hearts and force us to examine our lives and then make changes that will please You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Those who say they live in God should live as Christ did. 1 John 2:6