Today’s sacred lections—2 Timothy 4:1–8 and Matthew 5:13–19—invite us to meditate upon the high calling of apostolic fidelity and Christian witness, a theme dear to the gentle and penetrating heart of St. Francis de Sales, whose feast Holy Mother Church commemorates with reverence and joy.
In his final epistle, the Apostle St. Paul exhorts the young bishop Timothy: “Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine” (2 Tim 4:2). The Apostle foresees a time when men will not “endure sound doctrine”, but will seek teachers who tell them what they wish to hear. Yet Paul does not despair. With the serene courage of one who has fought the good fight, he proclaims: “I have kept the faith” (v.7), and looks to the crown prepared for those who love the appearing of Christ.
Herein we see the spiritual lineage of St. Francis de Sales, who—though living in an age rent by heresy and spiritual indifference—remained instant in season and out of season, especially in his tireless efforts to bring the Calvinists of Chablais back to the bosom of Holy Church. He bore with contradiction sweetly, combining firm doctrine with a heart of charity, as he himself wrote in his Introduction to the Devout Life: “Cook the truth in charity until it tastes sweet.”
Now, our Lord in the Holy Gospel (Matt 5:13–19) calls His disciples “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”. Salt preserves from corruption; light banishes darkness. But salt may lose its savor; a lamp may be hidden. This is the peril of those who possess the faith but fail to live or teach it with fervor and clarity. “If the salt lose its savor, wherewith shall it be salted?”
St. Hilary of Poitiers comments: “The Apostles are the salt of the earth by the power of the doctrine given them; they preserve the minds of believers from corruption, by seasoning them with the word of God.” And the great St. John Chrysostom warns: “If others lose their savor, it may be possible to restore them; but if the teacher himself corrupts, he drags others down with him.”
St. Francis de Sales, who wore the yoke of apostolic responsibility with meekness and joy, echoes this in his pastoral writings. He teaches us that Christian life, particularly the life of a priest or spiritual guide, must blend clarity of doctrine with the sweetness of demeanor. He once said: “You catch more flies with a spoonful of honey than with a barrel of vinegar.” Yet never did he dilute the truth; rather, he rendered it palatable by humility, patience, and persuasive love.
In this light, we see that preaching, as St. Paul demands, and being salt and light, as Christ commands, are not opposed vocations but two expressions of the same grace: to communicate the Truth in charity, bearing witness in a decaying world, even if—like St. Paul—we must pour out our lives as a libation (2 Tim 4:6).
Let us pray, then, through the intercession of St. Francis de Sales, that we may keep the faith, teach it without alteration, and live it with such attractive holiness that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matt 5:16). In an age tempted by ear-tickling falsehoods and tasteless religion, may we be savorful salt, enduring light, and faithful servants who long for the crown promised to those who love Christ’s appearing.
✠ “Be who you are and be that well,” says St. Francis de Sales. Let us be, then, true Catholics—firm in doctrine, patient in affliction, sweet in spirit, zealous in works, and faithful unto death.