Words, Only When Necessary

There’s a great story about Saint Francis and a novice monk. One day Saint Francis came to this novice, and said, “Son, I want you to come to town with me today, we’re going to preach.” And the novice was thrilled. He had not had that privilege and opportunity before. So out they went. They spent the morning in the marketplace – and lent a hand to some of the vendors and prayed for them. They visited the sick. They chopped and carried firewood for an older widow. They brought food to a family in need.

When they returned home at the end of the day, worn out and exhausted, the novice said to Francis, “Father, I thought we were going to town to preach. We never got to do that.” Francis said, “My son we did preach. Everywhere we went people were watching us. You must preach the Gospel everywhere you go. And use words only when necessary.” 

As I mentioned yesterday, sometimes words are necessary. Sometimes it is important to share our own story – where we’ve found hope and life and renewal. We know that most people come to faith and get involved in a church by the invitation of others. But at the same time, our words mean nothing if our actions and lives have already spoken.

Let us pray: We remember today, gracious God, that you have entrusted us with a beautiful message of hope and life and light. We thank you for the many ways that you have touched and blessed our lives. Grant us listening ears and servant hearts, that we might meet the needs of those around us, and share your Gospel in word, and in deed. Amen.