“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally... whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received, and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
Consider for a moment your favorite teacher. Why does this person stand out? Was it knowledge shared and shown, was it the method and technique used, or was it the example lived by that teacher?
St. Paul, humbly, but clearly, invited others to share in his mission, in imitation of his lifestyle. Today, the feast of the beloved St. Francis, we find another model for our Christian living. Paul wrote, preached and visited through the written and spoken word. Francis, spoke by his example of a simple lifestyle, through ministry to the poor, and obedience to his loving Lord.
Jesus says to us: ‘Go and do likewise.’