25 April, Antonio, Cardinal Bacci: Meditations for Every Day

Word and Example

1. There is great power in the spoken word. It can act like a ray of light upon the mind of a man groping about in the darkness of error. It can present a moving appeal to a sinner to return to God. It can comfort the soul in affliction and in loneliness. Good example, however, is even more powerful than speech. At times it can be irresistible. A man can remain deaf to good advice, but it is difficult for him to remain unaffected by the virtuous behaviour and spirit of sacrifice of someone who is trying to lead him towards goodness. The sermons of the Saints were effective not only because they were inspired by love for God and for souls, but also because they were reinforced by the holiness of the preachers. St. Augustine was converted by the pleadings and prayers of St. Monica, but apart from the grace of God it was the example of his mother's sanctity which made her exhortations so convincing. It was as much by the example of his untiring zeal as by the simplicity of his sermons that the Cure d'Ars converted thousands upon thousands of people. St. Francis de Sales would never have converted so many heretics if his apostolic personality had not possessed such a quality of supernatural attractiveness. Let us do as much good as we can by means of speech whenever the opportunity arises, but above all let us make sure that our lives reflect faithfully the principles which we proclaim. This is the only way in which we shall be able to lead our fellow-men to God.

2. Good example is the most effective sermon, and we are all obliged to preach in this fashion. God entrusted the care of his neighbour to each one of us. (Ecclus. 17:12) Each of us is responsible for the salvation of those who have been entrusted to him in this way, especially for the salvation of those who live near him and are influenced by his behaviour. Jesus' exhortations in this regard have the force of a command. “Let your light shine before men,” He says, “in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16) St. Paul urges us to “provide good things not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of all men.” (Cf. Rom. 12:17) This must not be interpreted as meaning that we should be anxious for others to see our good deeds in order that they may respect and praise us. It is our own undoing if our good example is tainted with ostentation, for we should lose all merit for it and should deserve to hear the words of the Eternal Judge: “You have received your reward.” (Cf. Mt. 6:5) Our good example should be inspired only by the love of God and of our neighbour but never by self-love.

3. We should give good example everywhere and in every way, at home and in the church, in the company of those who are subordinate to us and of those who have authority over us, in speech and in dress, by moderation in our eating habits and in the furnishings of our house, by the pictures which we hang in our rooms and by the books and magazines which we read. We should be particularly careful to keep in safe custody those books and journals which are necessary to us for purposes of study but could be an occasion of sin for others. Our whole demeanour should radiate goodness. Let us remember the words of St. James: “He who causes a sinner to be brought back from his misguided way, will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20) By saving the souls of others we save our own.