Hi Sky Emmaus Community Newsletter
May, 2010 - Page 2

Message from the Community Spiritual Director

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”  These words of Margaret Fuller have often been quoted and paraphrased.  One version I have seen since early adulthood is “Leaders must be readers.”  Mark Twain is quoted as saying “The person who knows how to read but does not, is no better off than the one who cannot read.”

The essential truth of the word, read, is that study is necessary to one’s mental development.  Recall the talk on “Growth through Study” during the Emmaus Walks.  To study is to develop the mind, broaden one’s perspective on all matters, and to become proficient in one’s work. 

I find that most material I read enriches my knowledge.  When I looked for the origin of the phrase quoted above, I was surprised that Ms. Fuller was the author, and not a college teacher or business executive.  Ms. Fuller lived in early 19th century New England.  She was an outspoken advocate for women’s rightful place in society.  She tutored women who did not have access to a higher education.  She wrote and spoke for the right of women to be employed.  She was the first woman allowed to use the library at Harvard College.

I learned from my study that women were and, at times, still are discouraged from developing their God-given abilities.  I have learned to look for fairness in treatment of all persons, especially women and minority groups.

So, fellow disciples of our Lord, are you studying?  What do you study?  Are you growing through study? 

De colores, Larry Bailey
Community Spiritual Director - 2010