Come On And Do It!

"Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary use words."

This quote is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. While St. Francis wrote a lot of songs, prayers, and letters, he is most known for his acts of faith. He started an order of religious men and women based on living the Gospel as simply as possible. His rule (IE. set of standards) ,for the religious order to follow in order to be part of his order, was himself. He led them in living simply. He led them in making the scriptures an integrated part of his life. He led them in trying to imitate Jesus' love, forgiveness, and sacrifice. He did this because he got a message from God to "rebuild My Church." When he heard God calling him to rebuild, he changed his life. He went from a rich kid living off of his father's wealth, to a man determined to rebuild the Church spiritually by simple and holy living. In doing that he found that the only wealth that mattered was the love that God had for him and the reward he got for being poor and serving the poor.

Jesus in today's Gospel says, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow me." Living a holy life has little to do with talking about a holy life. Living discipleship means preaching the Gospel without words.

What steps can you and I take to put our faith into action a little more each day? How can we prayerfully and practically show our love of God through the ways we treat others? How can we simplify our lives and embrace the only way to real happiness now? How are you being called to preach the Gospel at all times??

peace,
Fr. Chuck