Oh what a fickle friend fame and praise is, one moment she loves you and the next moment she wants nothing to do with you. She throws her arms around you and will not leave your side, then she scorns you and turns her back.
Praise and fame, how often does humanity search for this, search for this to make themselves feel better, make themselves feel worthy for what they have done or are trying to do. It seems that without this one does not feel as though they have accomplished anything. One of the first questions we should ask ourselves is who are we doing it for and secondly are we the one's actually doing it.
We should answer the second question first, as if we truly understand the truth then we will realise and know that God is the one who is actually doing, we are merely His instruments with Him working through us. The first question then becomes easier to answer and understand, anything we do is done for the Lord our God and no other, everything we do should be done For Him and By Him so He may be glorified through our actions.
If we understand the answer to the above questions, then should we not spend our time praising the Lord. The Saints knew this and praised each other and people very little but rather glorified the Father: Saint Francis of Assisi even went so far as to give sermons to the birds asking them to praise and glorify the Lord.
St. Francis Preaches to the Birds
Father Francis and his companions were making a trip through the Spoleto Valley near the town of Bevagna. Suddenly, Francis spotted a great number of birds of all varieties. There were doves, crows and all sorts of birds. Swept up in the moment, Francis left his friends in the road and ran after the birds, who patiently waited for him. He greeted them in his usual way, expecting them to scurry off into the air as he spoke. But they moved not.
Filled with awe, he asked them if they would stay awhile and listen to the Word of God. He said to them: “My brother and sister birds, you should praise your Creator and always love him: He gave you feathers for clothes, wings to fly and all other things that you need. It is God who made you noble among all creatures, making your home in thin, pure air. Without sowing or reaping, you receive God’s guidance and protection.”
At this the birds began to spread their wings, stretch their necks and gaze at Francis, rejoicing and praising God in a wonderful way according to their nature. Francis then walked right through the middle of them, turned around and came back, touching their heads and bodies with his tunic.
Then he gave them his blessing, making the sign of the cross over them. At that they flew off and Francis, rejoicing and giving thanks to God, went on his way.
Later, Francis wondered aloud to his companions why he had never preached to birds before. And from that day on, Francis made it his habit to solicitously invoke all birds, all animals and reptiles to praise and love their Creator. And many times during Francis’ life there were remarkable events of Francis speaking to the animals. There was even a time when St. Francis quieted a flock of noisy birds that were interrupting a religious ceremony! Much to the wonder of all present, the birds remained quiet until Francis’ sermon was complete.
Next time before reaping praise on someone for actions you feel are worthy, first praise the Lord and then thank Him for His abundant mercy on that person allowing Him to be an empty vessel that the Lord has filled.
Praise and fame, how often does humanity search for this, search for this to make themselves feel better, make themselves feel worthy for what they have done or are trying to do. It seems that without this one does not feel as though they have accomplished anything. One of the first questions we should ask ourselves is who are we doing it for and secondly are we the one's actually doing it.
We should answer the second question first, as if we truly understand the truth then we will realise and know that God is the one who is actually doing, we are merely His instruments with Him working through us. The first question then becomes easier to answer and understand, anything we do is done for the Lord our God and no other, everything we do should be done For Him and By Him so He may be glorified through our actions.
If we understand the answer to the above questions, then should we not spend our time praising the Lord. The Saints knew this and praised each other and people very little but rather glorified the Father: Saint Francis of Assisi even went so far as to give sermons to the birds asking them to praise and glorify the Lord.
St. Francis Preaches to the Birds
Father Francis and his companions were making a trip through the Spoleto Valley near the town of Bevagna. Suddenly, Francis spotted a great number of birds of all varieties. There were doves, crows and all sorts of birds. Swept up in the moment, Francis left his friends in the road and ran after the birds, who patiently waited for him. He greeted them in his usual way, expecting them to scurry off into the air as he spoke. But they moved not.
Filled with awe, he asked them if they would stay awhile and listen to the Word of God. He said to them: “My brother and sister birds, you should praise your Creator and always love him: He gave you feathers for clothes, wings to fly and all other things that you need. It is God who made you noble among all creatures, making your home in thin, pure air. Without sowing or reaping, you receive God’s guidance and protection.”
At this the birds began to spread their wings, stretch their necks and gaze at Francis, rejoicing and praising God in a wonderful way according to their nature. Francis then walked right through the middle of them, turned around and came back, touching their heads and bodies with his tunic.
Then he gave them his blessing, making the sign of the cross over them. At that they flew off and Francis, rejoicing and giving thanks to God, went on his way.
Later, Francis wondered aloud to his companions why he had never preached to birds before. And from that day on, Francis made it his habit to solicitously invoke all birds, all animals and reptiles to praise and love their Creator. And many times during Francis’ life there were remarkable events of Francis speaking to the animals. There was even a time when St. Francis quieted a flock of noisy birds that were interrupting a religious ceremony! Much to the wonder of all present, the birds remained quiet until Francis’ sermon was complete.
Next time before reaping praise on someone for actions you feel are worthy, first praise the Lord and then thank Him for His abundant mercy on that person allowing Him to be an empty vessel that the Lord has filled.
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