Of Blame and Praise
"For his part, Francis preferred insult to praise, because he knew that insult leads to self-improvement, praise to downfall. And so when people praised his merits and holiness, he would command one of the brothers to assault his ears with phrases that humiliated and mortified him. And when the brother, although unwilling, called him uncouth and mercenary, unskilled and useless, Francis would reply, his face shining with his heart's joy, 'The Lord bless you, dearest son, for you have spoken the very truth. These are the kind of words that suit well the son of Peter Bernardone.'" --St. Bonaventure, Major Life, 6:1
I find myself deflecting words of praise for the same reason--I am too easily led into vanity. This is a good reminder that while we should be gracious to those who compliment us we must always give the praise to God.
"For his part, Francis preferred insult to praise, because he knew that insult leads to self-improvement, praise to downfall. And so when people praised his merits and holiness, he would command one of the brothers to assault his ears with phrases that humiliated and mortified him. And when the brother, although unwilling, called him uncouth and mercenary, unskilled and useless, Francis would reply, his face shining with his heart's joy, 'The Lord bless you, dearest son, for you have spoken the very truth. These are the kind of words that suit well the son of Peter Bernardone.'" --St. Bonaventure, Major Life, 6:1
I find myself deflecting words of praise for the same reason--I am too easily led into vanity. This is a good reminder that while we should be gracious to those who compliment us we must always give the praise to God.
I praise GOD for you Cathy. You are such an inspiration to me!
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