There is a motive, too little regarded in general, that should influence us to zeal and earnestness in our profession of religion and attention to the. duties they claim from us, namely, the good and comforting influence that our Christian conduct may have on others. They shall comfort you (said God by the Prophet Ezekiel), when you shall see their ways and their doings, so unlike those of the ungodly and careless, which brought the visitation of His wrath upon Jerusalem. It is very encouraging to the timid, and the weak in faith, and to beginners in a religious life, to observe a neighbour constant at church and Holy Communion, acting consistently with Catholic Christian profession in the daily walk of life, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, instant in prayer, in short, fruitful, as there is opportunity, in every good work. A Christian life is an effective teacher to a large class: to them especially, whom youth, or defective instruction, or natural want of resolution, or powerful temptations, or severe trials, call to be scholars, and to tread in the footsteps of others. Saint Paul, after saying, I seek not that which is profitable to myself, but to many others, that they may be saved, adds, be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ. We may preach Christ and His gospel to others, by a Christian life and conversation, even more effectually than by conversation or sermons.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp