03-14-2021, 02:54 PM
Chapter XI
On Preaching (page 37)
USE simple and familiar words in preaching and exhortations, to explain in detail what you mean; and, as far as possible, illustrate what you say with some examples, in order that the sinner, finding his conscience guilty of the same sins which you reprehend, may feel as if you were speaking only to himself. Do this, however, in such a way, that your words, so to speak, may appear to come from the heart, without being mixed with any movement of indignation or pride, and to spring from bowels of charity, from the tender love of a father, who is grieved at the faults of his children, who weeps when they are ill, and who is broken hearted when they fall over some frightful precipice; of a father, I say, who strains every nerve to withdraw them from these perils, and even of a mother who uses every means for their preservation, who rejoices in their advancement, and in the hope that they will one day have part in the glory of eternity.
It is this sort of preaching that you will render yourself serviceable to your hearers; whereas they will be little moved when you content yourself with merely speaking to them in general terms of vice and virtue.
Adopt the same means in the confessional when it is needful to encourage timid souls, or to alarm those whose hearts are had and unimpressionable. Let it be seen that you speak with the solicitude of a father, so that the penitent may feel in your words the breath of pure charity. It is, therefore, fitting that words of charity and sweetness should always take place of sharp and reprehensible language. You, then, who desire to benefit others, being by having recourse to God in the fullness of your heart; ask Him with simplicity to impart to you this divine charity which which embodies in itself the other virtues, and which will enable you to accomplish what you desire.
On Preaching (page 37)
USE simple and familiar words in preaching and exhortations, to explain in detail what you mean; and, as far as possible, illustrate what you say with some examples, in order that the sinner, finding his conscience guilty of the same sins which you reprehend, may feel as if you were speaking only to himself. Do this, however, in such a way, that your words, so to speak, may appear to come from the heart, without being mixed with any movement of indignation or pride, and to spring from bowels of charity, from the tender love of a father, who is grieved at the faults of his children, who weeps when they are ill, and who is broken hearted when they fall over some frightful precipice; of a father, I say, who strains every nerve to withdraw them from these perils, and even of a mother who uses every means for their preservation, who rejoices in their advancement, and in the hope that they will one day have part in the glory of eternity.
It is this sort of preaching that you will render yourself serviceable to your hearers; whereas they will be little moved when you content yourself with merely speaking to them in general terms of vice and virtue.
Adopt the same means in the confessional when it is needful to encourage timid souls, or to alarm those whose hearts are had and unimpressionable. Let it be seen that you speak with the solicitude of a father, so that the penitent may feel in your words the breath of pure charity. It is, therefore, fitting that words of charity and sweetness should always take place of sharp and reprehensible language. You, then, who desire to benefit others, being by having recourse to God in the fullness of your heart; ask Him with simplicity to impart to you this divine charity which which embodies in itself the other virtues, and which will enable you to accomplish what you desire.