ST. FRANCIS DE SALES AND COMMUNICATION
Today’s feast day is special for all writers and journalists. While some persons do earn their living in these particular professions, we are all writers. Even those who limit their written communications to text messages and emojis are writers. All are trying to communicate something to at least one other person.
Those who teach the basics of effective communication emphasize the key elements: Who? – What? – When? – Where? – Why? We are all familiar with that process. We recognize excellent communication when we see it. Whether we are reading an invitation to a party, an engaging “who-done-it?”, a set of instructions for our most recent purchase, or an in-depth book written about any topic, we are looking for answers to those basic questions. We are always seeking some understanding of what we are doing and why we are doing it.
When we write with intention, that same wisdom also invites us to consider: How? How will that task be carried out? How will we know when it has been completed?
These six questions are all good tools for easing communication. They are necessary elements for us to work in common-union with one another. They are a good foundation; they allow us to live in communion with one another. These elements make it possible for us to understand one another, and to cooperate with one another in bringing about good in this world.
There is another “How?” that must be included in our communication process. How we go about doing what we do matters greatly. Over the centuries, many wise people have shown the need to have love as the foundation of all our thoughts, words and actions. St. Francis de Sales is no exception. He notes that “whoever wants to preach effectively must preach with love.”
We ponder – asking ourselves to name our particular “pulpit.” Where do I have a particular authority? Where do I have a voice to speak – or write – words that invite greater love into the world? Whatever I do, do I do it with love?
We might invite the wisdom of St. Paul to accompany us as we answer the question “How?”. In the often-quoted passage from 1 Corinthians 13, St. Paul invites us to live with patience and kindness. He invites us to be polite and not pompous. He invites us to celebrate the truth and to live with hope. He invites us to make sure our words help us to be more than just another “resounding gong or a clashing cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1).”
Appropriate words to remember, especially in these days when communications are often filled with hate. Necessary in an era when some words carry the intention to hurt, to harm, and to hide the truth. However large or small the horizon of our individual lives, we all have a “pulpit” from which we preach. Somewhere, we have power and authority to speak, to write and to act. The temptation is always before us – to use that power and authority to our own advantage – and sometimes – to the intentional disadvantage of others.
Long before the arrival of ubiquitous communication, St. Francis de Sales offered some words of wisdom. They have stood the test of time. They are needed now.
Nothing is so strong as gentleness.
Nothing so gentle as real strength.
St. Francis de Sales
It was said of the early Christians: “See how they love one another.”
May those words now be true for each of us – and all of us.
May we be gentle and strong.
Brenda Merk Hildebrand has a deep passion for lifelong learning, education, and spiritual and palliative care. She appreciates the opportunities that have come her way to share life’s transforming journey with others: one-with-one, through intentional group settings, in animating workshops and retreats, and by way of her writing. Brenda is a long-time contributor to Living with Christ.
