It’s uncertain if her calming effect would make any difference when it came to Gabriel’s inner worry, because that is part of his very nature, and to the outside he seems so very serene most of the time that the difference would not be marked. He is, however, happy to provide her with that clarity of mind, and the food for thought. It wouldn’t be easy, he didn’t say that it would, but she has to try, to better herself.
His hand lowered to rest upon her shoulder after drifting from her cheek, where he gently squeezes and offers her a kind smile.
“Tend to the flock, Mary, but remember that times are different now than they were then. They reject dogma and conversion – do not openly spout that you work in the name of the Lord, it does more harm than good these days. Instead, act as He did. Tend to the sick and the poor, let God work through you; Bless them and pray for them.”
He pauses as the kettle screams, and lifts from the couch again, still smiling. She may follow, if she likes, while he prepares her tea.
“Spread goodness through your actions rather than your words. It will reverberate, and it will matter.”