Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, ...
Inspiring words influence people sufficiently to want to change the world. On a much more down to earth level the realist devotes their time to changing who they are, as a result of understanding that change, for the better...begins with us.
Francis of Assisi's appeal to those wishing to follow his example, and enter the monastic life:
"Preach the Gospel - use words if necessary"
Brother Francis while instructing a novice encouraged him to understand that our own behaviour always reveals the truth...in other words, unmask, and let the world see who you really are...for human frailty is a human trait that recognises others are just as human...and just as imperfect.
Brother Francis:
"We have been seen by many; our behaviour has been closely watched; it was thus that we have preached our morning sermon. It is of no use to walk anywhere to preach unless we preach everywhere as we walk.”
In Chapter XVII of his Rule of 1221, Francis of Assisi asked his friars not to preach unless they had received permission to do so. Then he added:
"Let all the brothers, however, preach by their deeds."
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