Emboldened

It is no secret that over the past many years some priests and bishops have been negligent in preaching and teaching certain aspects of the faith.

Part of the explanation – a rather small part, I think – stems from an outright rejection of Catholic teaching in certain areas. But it seems to me that the overwhelming reason as to the great silence is a result of cowardice.

Many priests and bishops have remained silent because of the fear of losing parishioners, donations, respect, or any other number of things.

As a recently ordained priest, I, too, have perhaps not spoken out as loudly at certain times as I should have, though I certainly have never shied away from private or small group conversations, as my high school students – and soccer team especially – will attest.

But I wonder, especially during this Memorial of the Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist, if many of these fears are without foundation.

The Evangelist Mark tells us that when King Herod heard John the Baptist preach that “was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him” (Mark 6:20). But just a moment prior to this Matthew tells us that “Herod feared John, knowing him to be a holy and righteous man” (Mark 6:20). How could Herod both fear John and want to listen to him?

He felt both because John spoke the truth, boldly and with no thought for his own life or safety. John knew the truth and the truth had to be spoken. There was no fear in John.

Even though speaking the truth brought about the Forerunner’s death, it also drew sinners to hear him. This is precisely what we priests and bishops need to remember. The truth is not repulsive, it is attractive.

We have seen this especially these past few days as Bishop after Bishop boldly spoke out and corrected Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Even the secular press has given the Bishops good coverage and has not reported in their usual fashion. The truth was boldly proclaimed and people listened.

We have seen it also these past several years in the words of Pope Benedict XVI. The more boldly he speaks, the more intently people listen, especially the youth of the world.

I have seen it over the past couple of years with the high school students. The more I spoke the truth of the Church, the more they continue to come to me with questions.

I have seen it this past year as I continue to write Letters to the Editor correctly false arguments against the faith and truth of the Church as more and more people thank me for the letters.

Over these past few days I have been feeling more and more emboldened to speak the truth of the Gospel, the truth of the teachings of the Catholic Church.

People today, young and old, are hungering deeply for the truth. Nobody wants to be lied too; everyone wants to hear the truth, even if, as it was for Herod, painful.

Today, perhaps more than ever before, we priests and bishops must boldly teach the truth of the Catholic Church with no fear for what may come.