Francis said that preachers who often sell what they do for the price of empty praise are to be pitied. The abnormal growth of such men he at times cured with such an antidote as this: "Why do you glory over men who have been converted when it was my simple brothers who converted them by their prayers?"
Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER CXXIII
Friday, May 22, 2009
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This is a very real challenge. When you preach to hundreds of people each Sunday, there are bound to be people who love your style and/or content, no matter what it is. So you always get praise.
ReplyDeleteBut the preacher must always consider those who praise him to be his spiritual enemies. To be loved for sure, as all enemies, but enemies at some level nonetheless.
Thanks as always for this ministry!
Thank you, dear Brother!
ReplyDeleteIn the past, our community has contacted several speakers, theologians, and musicians to come visit. It's amazing how many of these people come with price tags that only rich parishes can afford (some even demanding more than $8,000.00).
Oh, would it were that we could find another Brother Francis in our midst!