Fr Bob Writes – June 25, 2017

“Everyone who acknowledges me before humans, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven”

We all pray that if ever brought before a human tribunal for our beliefs, we will remain strong. The present age has seen some examples of this happening, with Christians dragged before Human Rights tribunals in this country because standing up for what they believe in has “offended” someone else.  Or it may happen because a human law has been transgressed as being unjust in the light of a higher divine law.  In recent decades Christians used the defence of obeying a “higher law” when brought to trial for marching onto military air bases and causing damage to the planes etc, or going into abortion clinics to talk to women seeking an abortion.  These latter cases are more difficult and complex.  Discernment and prayer are certainly necessary before action is taken.

But it all proves that faith can be costly.  Conviction can often result in intolerance and hostility – on either side.  Yet charity must be the over-arching consideration.  Opposition is overcome with charity and understanding, as hard as that may sound.  But conviction is still necessary, otherwise faith becomes a weak and comforting construct.  Position-taking is not easy. But we are increasingly asked to do so.