Ruth's Book I

Preaching by good example

    To become a true “Secular Franciscan” one has to assume, if one has not already done so, Christian adulthood. We are to not act like a child and do something because we are told to do it, but to do something because we see something needs to be done.

    We stepped into this “adult” world, to a certain extent, when we received the sacrament of Confirmation. When we received this sacrament we voluntarily became active in the Body of Christ — His Church and our Church.

    Christ said, “Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to everyone.” He did not mean just the twelve Apostles. He meant all of us, down through the ages. We are apostles, doing missionary work right in our own home, in our own back yard, in our own neighborhood and wherever we go.

    The apostolate of Secular Franciscans is, as a rule, in the secular world where we live. It is in this area that we are able to move about effectively, either individually or as a member of a group or organization, helping our brothers and sisters in their and our pilgrimage through life. How much or how little of this sort of apostolate an individual does depends on his circumstance, his ability, and his dedication. Some simply are not able to do much and others can do very much; but, everyone is able to be a witness to Christ, whether he is confined to a bed or a world traveler. It has been said, somewhere, “No man is an island.” Every man comes into some contact, briefly or otherwise, with other people, and each single contact is an opportunity to show Christ to others.

    One of St. Francis’ mottoes was, not to live for himself alone, but to help others. Even an invalid in bed can do this; he can say, “Good morning.” He can smile and cooperate, and say, “Thank you.” He can pray.

    Words attributed to St. Francis were, “All brothers ought to preach by their actions.” The most basic apostolate for any Christian is the apostolate of good example. How can anyone hope to draw others to Christianity if he does not act Christ-like in his daily living? We should act always in the belief that what we are doing and saying is having an effect on those with whom we come in contact. Most of the time we won’t know whether we are having an effect or not. Maybe the effect isn’t taking place at all. We may never know the answer to that. We don’t need to worry about it if we establish a pattern of good example.

    If we are going to be hooked on a habit, let it be a good habit. If we look back on our own lives we can think of many good habits, sometimes seemingly insignificant, that someone like our parents, teacher, friend, priest, or nun had. They may not have realized themselves that they had it, nor did we know at the time; but; it crept into our minds and stuck. It is the seemingly insignificant, routine, good habits; persistently done over and over that have a lasting effect on someone. They stick to his subconscious mind many years before becoming activated some time in the future.