Day 25. Admonition 21/22

Of the Frivolous and Talkative Religious.         [3] Blessed is that servant who does not speak through the hope of receiving a reward.   Who does not reveal everything they know and is not “hasty to speak,” [4] but who wisely foresees what he ought to say and answer.   Woe to that religious, who does not conceal in their heart, the good things which the Lord has disclosed to them   And who does not show them to others by the work they do, but rather seeks a reward by telling others about them.     These religious have already received their recompense, and their hearers take away little fruit.     Br Andrew EFO	Note – the Blessed one – is not necessarily a Friar or other religious person though it can be. Francis expected more from himself and his Friars than of Lai Christians, that is why in teaching about those who fail in being true servants of God are referred to as ‘Religious’   As usual this Admonition is in two parts: the first, about the Blessed or good servant. The second about the Friar who fails to keep the Rule in one way or another.     This time the blessed servant: knows to keep custody of his mind   And is very careful to think before speaking.   And does not expect a reward in exchange for speaking of the things of God.   The frivolous friar, on the other-hand does just the opposite:     Does not show in their works the good things God has revealed to them   Rather tells everyone about God’s revelation to them. Like a tree of knowledge – but the fruit is bruised.   And for all their attention their hearers take away only bruised fruit. Do you know someone like this?
[3 ]This Admonition (like No 11) is wanting in Cod An (Codex St. Anthony), but is found in the Speculum Perfectionis, ed Lemmens See Doc Ant. Franc, P II, p 84.   [4 ]Prov. 29:20   “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”(NASB)