Resist eclipsing truth for sake of false peace

During New Year’s resolution season, Catholics might recall their baptismal contract with God and His created order. As a soldier for Christ – no matter his life state – every Catholic should prioritize God’s truth. It’s everyone’s purpose — to live by God’s law, learn more about it, and help others understand it. 

Thinking back to family holiday gatherings, there were many chances for this. But it can jolt like a dark speed bump — hard, and at times annoyingly unsettling. When people know a committed Catholic, they party-pounce with life-doubts, arguments, and at times, ornery resentment. But they approach. 

Time to sit with a nice cocktail and enjoy the holiday game? Nope. There is instant couch company, with hours of punted questions. When they feel they can talk to someone, it begins.

Because there is plenty of fake Catholic news today, many Catholics are not reconciled with groupthink and moral laxity. They’re in tough jams, though some may level crock accusations against God and “organized religion.” But in their anxiety, they need clarity and calm. They need truth.

It’s a pivotal juncture. 

The recurring choice is to “go along to get along” for a moment’s peace, or to go it alone and give them the unpopular truth. Game is just kicking off.

Here’s a recent replay. 

In-crowd, sports-kid plops down with his beer. He’s finishing up a college semester and thinking of changing his major. Why? Too many hard courses still to complete, and another major “would just be easier.” When asked what he wants to do after graduation, he has no idea. He asks for an opinion on his quandary — the all-purpose, no-raw-skills major, or his current one with “annoying math courses” — and which one might result in a decent job. 

Okay, relatively easy to address. He pockets the advice and resolves to tunnel through. Game is just getting interesting.

“Is pot a sin?” he blurts with chips in his mouth. “Because at least now it’s legal, right?” Asked if he’s used it, he reluctantly admits, “a little.” Advising him that it’s sinful if not used for medical purposes under a doctor’s order, he accepts. And smiles devilishly. But he wants more — why is it a sin? So, he gets a fuller Catholic explanation about intentionally altering one’s judgement with recreational drugs, impaired ability to cope, and how God wants him healthy with a clear head. Told him it’s also addressed in the Catholic Catechism. Then he’s treated to a bonus editorial on gateway drugs. Now he’s fascinated and wants to talk about each drug. 

Checking the clock, the end of the tight-scoring game seems imminent. But he’s apparently forgotten about it.

His chatter rolls around to his friends and a girl he likes. He describes her nonchalantly, and her idea on possibly changing her gender — like swapping a pair of last year’s shoes. He then gets an explanation on why bodily mutilation and toxification is a serious offense to God and His will for that person. And that he should seriously avoid this crowd. He actually nods in relieved agreement.

At this point, the strongest cocktail in the house is in order, since other relatives close by have just tuned in.

“What did you say your work is these days?” one asks. 

A sensation of neck shingles comes on. It is tempting to dodge with a general description. But no.

“And what exactly is Legatus?” another asks. Now they’re all quiet.
“Is there a website?” Indeed.

They don’t follow outside to the car, but they won’t soon forget the discussion. A little truth goes a long way. Looking forward to the family Valentine’s Day splash.