What does this word mean?

[Denise]

"APOSTLE"


BEING AN APOSTLE

But I know well what this word apostle means and all the obligations it creates. First, the necessity of an interior life that becomes stronger all the time, of drawing more than ever charity and gentle serenity from the Eucharist and from prayer, as well as making wholly spiritual intentions. Then, to cultivate my own mind systematically, to increase my knowledge of all those subjects that I am ready to learn; to do nothing precipitously or superficially; to achieve, as much as possible, competence in the subjects I study. To transform and make this intellectual effort holy through a spiritual motive, doing it humbly without any self-centeredness, but exclusively to help others.

To bring to all conversation and discussion a tranquil spirit, a firmness, and a friendliness, that will eliminate bitterness, or irritation from the opponent's mind; never to give in where principles are concerned, but to have extraordinary tolerance for people. Above all, to try, after discovering the opening, to present the divine, unchanging Truth to each one in such a way as to make it understood and loved.

To bring great flexibility of mind and clarity of judgement to any purely intellectual matter. Each time the conversation leads me to speak of faith, i will do so simply, but in a direct and firm way that will leave no doubt as to my convictions. Cleverness means nothing in such matters; I am struck with the fact that unbelievers have more in common with people of deep faith than with those of inconsistent and utilitarian views. These precious unbelievers pay more attention to those who are uncompromising regarding the faith than to those who by subtlety and accommodation hope to bring them to accept the faith. And yet a bold statement must be made with intelligent sympathy and the liveliest and most delicate charity.

Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur

Elisabeth Leseur ( † 1914 ) was a French married laywoman whose cause for canonization is underway .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisabeth_Leseur

[Johnna]