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135.1
First Point
This saint left the world while still very young to enter the Order of
Canons Regular. However, he often had visits from his relatives in the
house where he lived; since he did not want to have these visits, in order
to avoid them he withdrew to another monastery a long way off, where he
led a much more secluded life.
You need to live in seclusion in order to learn the knowledge of
salvation[i]
which you have to teach others. This is the benefit that you should
receive from that kind of life. In that way you must learn how to speak
about God, and be able to speak about him effectively. Be convinced that
it is in seclusion and in silence that you learn how to speak well. The
more you enjoy seclusion and silence, the more you will be able to fulfill
your ministry on behalf of your neighbor.
135.2 Second Point
This
saint had such a great zeal for religion and for making God known to the
infidels, and such a great desire for martyrdom, that when he saw five of
Saint Francis' friars go off to preach the Gospel to the Moors, and heard
later that they had been martyred, the desire to imitate them, not only in
their preaching but also in their martyrdom, led him to plan to enter the
Order of Saint Francis. No sooner had he finished his novitiate than he
obtained permission to go to Africa to labor for the conversion of the
infidels.
You are obliged in your work to teach the truths of faith to your
disciples and to instruct them in their religion. In order to fulfill well
this duty, you should consecrate yourself entirely and even, if necessary,
give your life. Is this how you act? Do you have this generous
disposition?
135.3 Third Point
When
this saint was put to the work of preaching by the order of Saint Francis,
it became apparent that God had placed his holy word in his mouth, for
when he preached all his hearers were filled with admiration, and he
brought about altogether surprising conversions.
He succeeded so well in this holy ministry because he had prepared
himself for it by seclusion and prayer, because he had undertaken it only
through obedience, and because he had always stayed in humble work until
his superior had ordered him to preach.
It ought to be only in response to the order of God and in
submission to your superior that you work for the salvation of souls. This
will be the way to sanctify yourself in this work and to procure the
sanctification of others.
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