"Do not accept anything as love which lacks truth.” - St. Teresa
Benedicta of the Cross
We hear a
wonderful promise from Jesus in today’s Gospel: our prayers call down God’s
presence with us; even if just two of us agree about anything for which we are
to pray, it will be granted. But today’s readings also remind us that we bear responsibility
for one another. We are linked, morally and spiritually. If we see another
person engaging in sinful behavior, we have a moral obligation to speak out in
truth and mercy to help guide that person back into communion with God and the
Church.
And that’s
difficult. It’s especially hard to speak out against many of the socially
acceptable sins of this generation. We risk being called judgmental,
hypocritical, even hateful. But just as the Lord warns the prophet Ezekiel and
Jesus warns the disciples, we are also warned that keeping silent risks both
the soul of the person committing the sin and our own soul as well.
Is there
something we’ve witnessed in our own circle of family and friends that we have
failed to speak out about? Do we know someone whose marriage needs to be
convalidated, or someone who is involved in an adulterous or immoral relationship?
Are we aware of an incident of serious sin that is unconfessed? We all have
someone in our lives that may need gentle guidance back to God. Jesus tells us
to first speak to that person privately. Let them know the doors of mercy are
wide open for their reconciliation. If they do not respond, ask a priest for
his advice and intervention.
Doing everything
you can to save the lives of those you love is not being judgmental or hateful,
but is true mercy. And it is our obligation as Catholics. Do not be afraid to
speak the truth in love and mercy, always and everywhere.
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