I suspect many of us played hide-and-seek as children. We’d play for a bit, but sometimes we would move on and play something else, leaving someone still hiding. We may have thought it was easier than taking the time to seek them out and bring them up to speed on the new game. For the one still hiding though, the realization that the game had ended long ago and that they had been left out could be hurtful and may have left them confused about where they stood among their friends.
Witnessing the abundant love so many people of goodwill have in our diocese for those in need, I am confident that few Catholics would refuse food to someone who was starving or shelter to someone in need. Yet, just like leaving someone hiding while we played a new game, we may find it easy to leave someone without knowing the truth, sometimes unintentionally or because of fear of their reaction to that truth.
As much as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and sheltering those in need are acts of charity, so, too, is sharing the light of truth with those caught in the darkness of deception, lies or negligence. In fact sharing the truth is an act of great charity. Catholics are called to share the Good News God has revealed to us. We are called to charitably share God’s love, mercy and goodness with humility and tenderness.
So many people in the world, our country, state, local communities and families desire to be filled with hope, love, joy and peace and all the other wonderful spiritual fruits that come from receiving God’s love and sharing it with others. To be a disciple of Christ, we are asked to not shy away from loving others by sharing the truth, its wonderful impact upon us, and encouragement for others to live in God’s truths and love, which is for the good of everyone.
This November, voters in our state will be faced with the choice to legalize access to abortion. Amendment G is a radical, pro-abortion amendment that will provide access to abortion through all three trimesters of pregnancy and is a serious violation of truth, goodness and beauty. Anything contrary to what is true, good and beautiful as God has perfectly designed for our good must be rejected so God’s goodness and love can be the gift we share with others.
The amendment is also a violation of the truth of the dignity of every human person, including those who participate in any way with an abortion. Between now and November, we will hear many voices shouting messages of deception and lies, trying to confuse and undermine what is objectively true: the sanctity of life and godly care required toward those in difficult or unwanted pregnancies.
My brothers and sisters, we have a duty to bring the light of truth into the conversations we have about this issue, particularly conversations we have with fellow Catholics who might be struggling to sort through the many voices around them. Abortion is a grave evil, and as such, Catholics are obliged to vote no on Amendment G. If a person in your circle of relationships doesn’t have the truth regarding Amendment G, they may vote yes, putting others and their own soul in danger. They may not realize the tremendous hardship post-abortion trauma brings to those who have and those who participate in abortions, not to mention the hardship caused once they discover the truth of the goodness of the sacred life they killed.
This is where you can step into the gap and reveal the truth so many people desperately need.
Christ instructed us, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk 12:31). Who of us wants to unknowingly be left hiding in darkness while our friends share in the light of truth? Love impels us to speak and share the truth with our fellow brothers and sisters. In particular, we must share the truth about Amendment G with those around us, our family members, our friends and others we meet throughout our day. It is important to share the truth of the significant harm post-abortion people suffer, sometimes for all their lives, because they realize the horrors of having killed an innocent human life.
Helping others find the way, truth and life in Christ is the way we properly love God and others into the light of truth. What a gift entrusted to us, sharing the truth in love, one of the greatest acts of charity we can offer. Jesus tells us often in Scripture, “Do not be afraid.” Offer the truth with love and patience. It’s not your job to convince or to change hearts, only to say the truth with charity, that is, divine love. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.
May we all be courageous as we share the truth with others in the coming months. And pray for God’s will to be done in all things.
Callout: Visit sfcatholic.org/respectlife to learn more.
