Truth Through Presence

While he was staying at Siena, there came to him a certain doctor of divinity of the Order of Preachers, a man both humble and spiritually righteous.  After discussing with Francis for some time concerning the words of the Lord, the doctor asked him concerning the words of Ezekiel, “If you do not speak to warn the wicked from his wicked ways, his blood will I require at your hand.”  The doctor said, “I know many, however, good Father, that are in mortal sin, to whom I do not speak to warn them of their impiety—will their souls then be required at my hands?”  

Francis humbly replied that he was but a simpleton, and that therefore he would rather be taught of him rather than explaining to this doctor the meaning of Scripture.  The humble master replied, “Brother, though I have heard an exposition of this text from many wise men, yet I would willingly learn your understanding of it.”  Therefore Francis said, “If the text is to be understood for all, I would take it this way—that the servant of God should so burn and shine forth by life and holiness in himself, that by the light of his example and by the speech of his holy conversation he should reprove all the impious.  Thus, say I, the glory and the odor of his reputation will announce to all their iniquities.”  The doctor then left being edified and said to his brothers, “My brothers, the theology of this man, founded on purity and contemplation, is a flying eagle, while our study crawls on its belly on the earth.”

                        -Mirror of Perfection Section IV, Chapter 53

It is said that Francis spoke, “Speak the gospel at all times.  If necessary use words.”

Words are necessary, and they can at times be a clear presentation of the gospel.  But we must remember that the gospel of Jesus is not only His teachings, but His life.  Not only did Jesus teach us God’s truth, he showed it to us.  In this way, we should have learned, that the True Teacher not only speaks, but lives out her teaching.

Even if we never say a word, let the light of God’s presence be shown through our actions.  May the love of the Holy Spirit display God’s love before we ever open our mouth about His grace.