Friday, May 19, 2006

christianity at its core

St. Francis of Assisi invited an apprentice to go with him to a nearby village to preach. the young monk quickly agreed, seizing an opportunity to hear his teacher speak. when they arrived in the village, St. Francis began to visit with the people. First he stopped in on the butcher. Next a visit with the cobbler. Then a short walk to the home of a woman who'd recently buried her husband. After that a stop at the school to talk to the teacher. This continued throughout the morning. After some time, Francis told his disciple that it was time to return to the abbey. The student didnt understand. "But we came to preach," he reminded. "We havent preached a sermon."
"Haven't we?" questioned the elder. "People have watched us, listened to us, responded to us. Every word we have spoken, every deed we have done has been a sermon."

"Preach the gospel at all times and if neccesary, use words."