Comments on: Silly Things Never Actually Said: St. Francis and the Wordless Gospel http://cyberbrethren.com/2009/06/05/silly-things-never-actually-said-st-francis-and-the-wordless-gospel/ Devoted to authentic Lutheranism Wed, 23 May 2012 21:13:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Christopher Orr http://cyberbrethren.com/2009/06/05/silly-things-never-actually-said-st-francis-and-the-wordless-gospel/comment-page-1/#comment-6215 Christopher Orr Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:28:32 +0000 http://cyberbrethren.com/?p=2201#comment-6215 Of course people misuse such a(n) (alleged) quote for nonsense - that's what most of us do with anything of value. However, it can also point to the fact that the grace of God transforms us and the way we live our lives - and this can be seen, not just heard. Actions speak louder than words, so, too, salvation. "A story with [a similar] moral is told of St. Antony. "It was the custom of three Fathers to visit the Blessed Antony once each year, and two of them used to ask him questions about their thoughts (logismoi) and the salvation of their soul; but the third remained completely silent, without putting any questions. After a long while, Abba Antony said to him, 'See, you have been in the habit of coming to me all this time, and yet you do not ask me any questions'. And the other replied, 'Father, it is enough for me just to look at you'"." Of course people misuse such a(n) (alleged) quote for nonsense – that’s what most of us do with anything of value.

However, it can also point to the fact that the grace of God transforms us and the way we live our lives – and this can be seen, not just heard. Actions speak louder than words, so, too, salvation.

“A story with [a similar] moral is told of St. Antony. “It was the custom of three Fathers to visit the Blessed Antony once each year, and two of them used to ask him questions about their thoughts (logismoi) and the salvation of their soul; but the third remained completely silent, without putting any questions. After a long while, Abba Antony said to him, ‘See, you have been in the habit of coming to me all this time, and yet you do not ask me any questions’. And the other replied, ‘Father, it is enough for me just to look at you’”.”

]]> By: Benjamin Vineyard http://cyberbrethren.com/2009/06/05/silly-things-never-actually-said-st-francis-and-the-wordless-gospel/comment-page-1/#comment-6178 Benjamin Vineyard Sun, 07 Jun 2009 02:15:39 +0000 http://cyberbrethren.com/?p=2201#comment-6178 I'm with Michael on this one. < I’m with Michael on this one. <

]]> By: Michael Mohr http://cyberbrethren.com/2009/06/05/silly-things-never-actually-said-st-francis-and-the-wordless-gospel/comment-page-1/#comment-6160 Michael Mohr Sat, 06 Jun 2009 06:31:09 +0000 http://cyberbrethren.com/?p=2201#comment-6160 I have always understood this (mis)quote of St. Francis in light of Mt. 5:16 "... that they may see your good works and praise your Father who is in heaven." As we live our vocation in sanctification, having been justified by Christ, our actions are transformed by the Gospel. Slayed by the Law, we hold others accountable under the Law. Forgiven, we forgive. Having been loved, we love. And not the wimpy/sissy love we often relegate St. Francis to (as mentioned in the HT article). Another non-Biblical quote that has often piqued my interest is "Love them until they ask you why." Words ARE necessary, and the secondary consequence of that Word of God are the actions that follow us in our vocation. (The primary consequence is, of course, the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.) While this "quote" may often be (mis)used to separate word and action, I have always understood it as the opposite. It has long been a Western understanding (not just a post-modern one) that words are distinct from what they describe (to use the technical terminology - the sign is distinct from the signified). It is the Eastern/Hebrew mindset of Jesus and Paul that proclaims to us a connection between Word and action. Just as James 2 is often used to create a false dichotomy between faith and works but properly understood demonstrate the connection between the two, so also have I understood this quote. I wouldn't be so quick to give it up. I have always understood this (mis)quote of St. Francis in light of Mt. 5:16 “… that they may see your good works and praise your Father who is in heaven.” As we live our vocation in sanctification, having been justified by Christ, our actions are transformed by the Gospel. Slayed by the Law, we hold others accountable under the Law. Forgiven, we forgive. Having been loved, we love. And not the wimpy/sissy love we often relegate St. Francis to (as mentioned in the HT article). Another non-Biblical quote that has often piqued my interest is “Love them until they ask you why.” Words ARE necessary, and the secondary consequence of that Word of God are the actions that follow us in our vocation. (The primary consequence is, of course, the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.)
While this “quote” may often be (mis)used to separate word and action, I have always understood it as the opposite. It has long been a Western understanding (not just a post-modern one) that words are distinct from what they describe (to use the technical terminology – the sign is distinct from the signified). It is the Eastern/Hebrew mindset of Jesus and Paul that proclaims to us a connection between Word and action. Just as James 2 is often used to create a false dichotomy between faith and works but properly understood demonstrate the connection between the two, so also have I understood this quote. I wouldn’t be so quick to give it up.

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