Finally! Our 4 postulants from Myanmar are with us. Welcome!
Fraternity
At the beginning of this Ordinary Time we read the beginning of the letter to the Hebrews and the beginning of the gospel of Mark. Both readings refer to the importance of timing. “In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; 2 in these last days, he spoke to us through a son” (Hb 1:1). In the gospel, Jesus acknowledges this timing: “This is the time of fulfilment. The Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Mk 1:15).
It is good to tell the truth. It is not good to tell all of the truth, all at the same time. Truth telling, to be good, needs to be timely.
We don’t disclose the secrets of “birds and the bees” to children until they are ready. In the same way, God spoke only in “partial ways” to the ancestors until “the last days” when the people were mature enough to receive the message. Even the church comes to discover the truth gradually and with the development of time.
The measure of truth is reality. The measure of truth telling is the audience.
How true is what we say, depends on how what we say, agrees with the reality we are talking about. The truth about the shape of the earth depends on the actual shape of the earth. How much or when we can say this particular truth will depend on whether the person is ready to receive that truth. The fact that we are all going to die is true. How and when we should communicate that truth, will depend on the disposition of the person to accept it. In fact, truth revealing can at times be inconsiderate if we fail to take into account the disposition of the person to understand and accept that truth.
To intentionally hide or deprive the people from truth, is an injustice. To disclose the truth without consideration of the receiver, could become a kind of cruelty. Both truth and sympathetic consideration need to go hand in hand.
As we begin the season of ordinary time, we need to ponder carefully what the truth is, that needs telling here and now. Ideas only become fruitful and useful when they are presented in the right time at the right place. Discerning the times is our urgent mission “this time.”
January 13, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Dear Fr. David
I thank you for this reflection. It is timely for me. I often struggle with scruples when people point out my faults and i feel that they have done so cruelly. On the one hand, I know that often, they do have a point. On the other hand, i resent the way it was delivered, i felt as if i am being personally attacked but i would feel guilty for feeling that way.
I guess friends should always give fraternal correction….
January 28, 2009 at 8:28 am
Thanks for the comment Nick. I like the title of your blog. I did not know you are a fun of Balthasar too.