Ephesians 4
There are many legends attached to St. Francis, the saint and mystic who lived in the 13th century. One late legend describes Francis as an older man, who after entering a monastery, invited a young monk to accompany him on a journey to a nearby village. “We will go to the village and give a sermon,” Francis told him.
There are many legends attached to St. Francis, the saint and mystic who lived in the 13th century. One late legend describes Francis as an older man, who after entering a monastery, invited a young monk to accompany him on a journey to a nearby village. “We will go to the village and give a sermon,” Francis told him.
As they began the journey, of course, they also talked to people along the way, they interceded in situations and helped others. When they arrived at the village, the young monk was excited. However, Francis said, “Now, let us return to the monastery.”
The monk said, “But when do I get to give the sermon?”
Francis answered, “We have already given the sermon. A sermon is not what we do at the end of the journey. We gave the sermon by the way we walked.”
How true…and how telling. As the old adage goes: “We would rather see a sermon than hear one.” Or, as St. Francis is quoted to have said at another point: “We must preach the gospel every day…and when necessary, use words.”
Youth ministry is difficult, but it is made all the more so when we believe we have to have all of the answers to life’s problems or feel we have to answer all questions correctly. What is most important is example—living the gospel in deed. These are the most powerful sermons we can give—especially today when so many teenagers are looking for mentors and examples in the faith.
This week, make it a point to walk the walk. We always can talk the talk later.
