Background/Connections
St. Francis of Assisi
October 4th the church remembers Francis of Assisi, Friar, 1126
One of the boldest and most spirited figures in history, it is a shame that Francis is sometimes dismissed as simply a quiet bird-watcher. Actually he was an outspoken and controversial social activist. He was one of the greatest preachers of all time. His concern with poverty and ecology give him a strikingly modern quality. Although he was a wealthy cloth merchant's son, he gave all he had to help the poor and was contented with only the barest necessities for himself. He vigorously opposed the abuse of political power, particularly when it was wielded by the Bishop of Rome.*
He is often attributed with having said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary, use words." While researching this, I actually couldn't verify that he ever did say those exact words, but rather this: “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” ** I think the sentiment is the same, though. Our actions matter greatly. We shouldn't speak empty words. So let us try to be more like the first son who, while he didn't answer with the correct words when asked to work in the vineyard, did the right thing with his actions!
*https://prayer.forwardmovement.org/the_calendar_response.php?id=401004