some questions

Nevertheless many even of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 12:42-45

This rings true now. What do I believe that I’m afraid to confess for fear of being cancelled or worse? In my silence am I loving the praise of men more than the praise of God? If Jesus were standing in front of me right now and he asked about my inaction, what would be my answer?

“I’m afraid of losing my ‘friends’” - but are they my friends if they drop me because we disagree?
“I’m afraid they won’t read my book” - but would they even be interested in a book about prayer and Adoration anyway?
“I’m afraid of being called names” - but didn’t Jesus bless those who are persecuted because of him?

Why am I living in fear of the Pharisees? I see the sadness and brokenness being perpetrated by the lies disguised as truth. I see the anxiety and depression, the ruin of family, the searching for more. I see the division and anger and hate. These are not of God. These are not true, good, or beautiful.

No, silence is not violence. Silence is fear and until we break free from this fear and say what is true, the hate will continue. As Christians, as Catholics, we are called to love people and reject sin. If I celebrate someone’s sin, if I encourage it’s continuation, then I am not loving that person. True love is hard, not enabling. True love doesn’t take pride in that which hurts the soul of another. Deep, deep in our hearts, we all know the truth. Do we, do I, have the strength to speak it or am I afraid? Whose praise do I love more - man’s or God’s?