Remember the question St Peter put to our Lord after Jesus had explained the parable of the father of the family who keeps watch over his house. St Peter asked: Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all? Our Lord replied to him: Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? (Luke 12:41-43).

Thus all of us in the Work are obliged to administer the food of God’s word, of God’s doctrine, to those around us. Then what the Master said, promising a reward, will also be directly applied to us: Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doingwhen he comes (Luke 12:41-43). We need to give all this doctrine prudently – by example, by word, in writing, through friendship – so that those who are slow to understand will not move away from Jesus.

The surrounding environment

Keep in mind what St Matthew says about Christ: et sine parabolis non loquebatur eis.¹⁹ He adapted himself to the mentality of those around him. I have said that we should adapt to our surroundings, but not conform to the environment, the worldly environment. There is a danger of conforming to it out of cowardice or comfort or – sadly – to satisfy our evil passions. And then we will become part of the group of the discouraged. No! This is not the way. May it not be said of us: They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world (1John 4:5), but rather what Jesus said to his Father: As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world (John 17:18).