A Reflection for Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;
what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;
rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy
both soul and body in Gehenna. (Matthew 10:24-33)
These words from today’s Gospel always humble me because they demand such courage. Most explicitly, we are charged to take Jesus’ expectations and example and live them publicly, because we are accountable to him and not to our earthly peers. The message is straightforward, but the challenge is daunting because all too often, in our world, speaking the truth and doing what we think is right can sometimes be a risky proposition.
On tough days, I will use the examples of those who risk their own security and reputation to speak the truth, reminding myself that my accountability is to the Father—and not to anyone here on earth.
In the America offices, we have been talking a lot about the upcoming Synod on Synodality, when Catholic leaders from all over the world will gather to discuss the complex issues that are facing our church, especially around the main themes of communion, participation and mission. Many of those invited to participate, including James Martin, S.J., (America’s own editor at large and founder of the Outreach ministry for LGBTQ+ Catholics) and Leticia Salazar, O.D.N (from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and a longtime advocate for women and LGBTQ people in the church), represent groups or philosophies that have been marginalized. These people have built lives and ministries “proclaiming from the housetops” how they believe Jesus wants us to live and interact with each other. That is pretty brave stuff, especially because they are often in the (scary and threatening) crosshairs of many who disagree with their perspectives. In his appointments to the synod, the Holy Father honors and celebrates those who have lived Jesus’ words by inviting them to actively engage in the conversations that will help shape the future of our church. How meaningful, and what a beacon to the rest of us.
Doing the right thing and being a good and selfless person is an intentional priority for me, but some days it is easier than others. On those tough days, I will use the examples of those who risk their own security and reputation to speak the truth, reminding myself that my accountability is to the Father—and not to anyone here on earth. I invite you to do the same so that together we can all “proclaim from the housetops” for the truth, the marginalized and the word of the Lord.
