The Responsibility of Truth

Today is a holiday from school so I had the opportunity to attend daily Mass. It was wonderful. The priest, Father Matt, gave a beautiful sermon on the responsibility we have to tell the truth to others, and to hold them to the truth, even when this may cause them to step back and examine their own consciences. It is difficult to hold others accountable, but, if they are truly seeking to follow Christ, they will be thankful that they were held accountable. (After all, we are held accountable when we confess through the means of a man in the sacrament of penance.) It was as if he were speaking directly to me because I have been struggling with this exact situation with a person I know who is caught in a knot of deceit and lies, the most significant of which has caused another person to be denied the Eucharist on Sundays. Because of his pride, he denies any wrongdoing, even though Jesus knows the truth. Father Matt says all we can do in such a case is bravely speak the truth and hand it over to God. It is up to the other person to reconcile with God. In most cases, if one seeks true communion with God, and wants to imitate Jesus Christ, he will be thankful for the reminder by his friend, and will get back on track. So, if someone reminds you that you are headed away from truth, examine your conscience and make a u-turn. And if you notice your friend doing the same, gently, and in love, help him back to the right path. This is what Christian love is all about. Love means helping the other person to heaven.