Theological Foundations new file

210 Theological Foundations people, and that the whole nation should not perish , with the sacrifice of Kodrus (11th c. B.C.), the last king of Athens, who upon hearing a prophecy that his homeland will be spared if the king dies in a battle with the enemy and knowing that the Dorians, aware of the said prophecy, would try to spare him in battle, dressed himself in the clothes of a slave and was killed in battle unrecognized by anyone.” 23 Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz would point out how important the truth under discussion is, how necessary it is to accept it, and what the ensuing benefits are. He influenced his readers’ or listeners’ minds by means of rational arguments or he gave various saints as examples. He quoted their characteristic statements and shared about episodes from their lives which had the great power of persuasion. His discourse was full of zeal and was pervaded with the power of personal conviction, all of which helped him to win his listeners over. This is, for example, what Blessed George wrote about St. Paul: “We intend to observe the exam- ple of St. Paul — his active life, his resoluteness and fortitude. Wherever we shall happen to be, even if in prison or exile, we intend to preach Christ and not to depart from our way of life. Who knows what we shall encounter in life for Christ’s sake —what hardships, what persecutions? We must be prepared for everything.” 24 The attractiveness of the writings of Father Papczynski and Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz is enhanced by their content which reflects the range of their interests. The variety of these interests is particularly amazing in the case of Father Papczynski. In order to illustrate or sub- stantiate his reasoning, he often referred to such branches of knowledge as philosophy, theology, asceticism, mysticism, history, literature, poet- ry, rhetoric, biology, fine arts, politics or even ballistics. He moved with- in all of these disciplines with great ease, his quick mind easily grasped all of them and enabled him to use the treasury of human knowledge to convey the Divine truth ever more effectively. At the same time, he knew when to be critical and cautious and, if necessary, he would reject someone else’s opinion and take his own stand. His writings are full of expressions like: “We know this not only from the instructions given by