Teaching by example

Coepit facere et docere (Acts 1:1), Jesus began to do and to teach. My children, you must teach by your example. People will believe your doctrine when they see your good deeds,⁴⁰ the way you act. Good example is always compelling. But in order to be effective, it must be the result of the simple, natural way that you, members of the Work, practise what you teach.

Each in one’s own place

It is a statement made by ordinary Christians in the upright, responsible practice of their profession or job, in the faithful fulfilment of all their civic duties, in the exercise of all their rights, which are also duties, in the way they face up to and resolve the daily problems and toils of life in the world. In short, through all human relationships, inspired by Christian faith and lived out in a Christian way, for a supernatural reason: love for God and for one’s neighbour.

Without drawing attention

Since that is the kind of example members of the Work should set, it may well be that from a distance you don’t attract attention. But when people draw near and get to know you, they will soon be able to say, “Christ is here.” For they will feel stirred by the Christi bonus odor,⁴¹ the fragrance of a soul continually speaking to God.