Truth – Be Inspired!

Often times Christian’s and Catholics working in a toxic environment endure it as an act of love and compassion. They dare not speak out for fear of rocking the boat.

In a toxic work environment, I have been advised by my Catholic counterpart to accept it with love in my heart, that to act otherwise is being non Catholic. Well, I have got to say that only works for a limited time. Although I have given up these challenges to Jesus to carry my yoke, the feeling of being silence eats at my soul.

I have the choice to bear and grin it with a loving heart, or I voice my opinion and express the injustices I see and call it out for what it is – on my part out of love for all – the management, the staff, the children in my care, and, for the healing and happiness of all who are affected within the environment.

I recall when Jesus chased out the money changers in the temple (accounts are found in Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-46; and John 2:13-17). I also recall Jesus calling out the Pharisees and teachers (Mark 12.38-40; Luke 11.37-52; 20.45-47).

Yes, we are loving and compassionate. It also means that we have the duty to call out inappropriate practices and situations around us with a Jesus centred heart.

After many weeks or pondering on it, praying about it, and then even talking with my priest during confession – I went with my heart and gave my seasoned opinion as well as possible solutions.

It’s always a choice to be honest and vocal, or to be silent. As a follower of Jesus, it is important to not be seduced by the silence of following a false narrative or the status quo. It is important to speak out on injustices and to be honest in our observations and recommendations without bias. Above all, it’s not about me, but the people around me who are too fearful or passive to speak out.

In the end, in the midst of chaos and darkness, the light of Jesus and truth will aways create conflict. After all, when the light of God pierces into the heart of darkness, a prideful heart is unable to see the light. There will be criticism for my actions (“You are not being a Christian!” – this coming from a Christian), and I gladly take responsibility for it – because as a Catholic it is irresponsible for me to be silent.

Blessings to those who stand firm in the truth of God 🙏💕

True freedom is trusting and walking with God. I won’t delve deeply into the theology of freedom, but after watching all the protest world wide, and the theme was seeking freedom from restrictive mandates, I meditated the last 2 days and asked myself, “What is freedom?” “What does freedom mean to me – a Catholic.”

Seeking freedom can only be found in God. I know it’s a profound statement to make in our world today. The concepts of freedom and truth has been tainted with modernism, and secularized. Truth and freedom is defined in our world today as – me, his, her, and, them. The focus is on the self. God is not in the centre. God is not the focus. It is missing God!

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it is a choice to do good (referencing Romans 6:17)

The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just. The choice to disobey and do evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to “the slavery of sin”. (CCC#1733)

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, freedom and truth has been only through faith and trust in God:

The Prophet Isaiah talked about freedom saying, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1).

King David said in Psalm 118:5, “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.”

It is through God’s divine mercy we are set free – through His beloved son, Jesus:

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:31-36.

Cardinal John Henry Newman got it right:

Lead Kindly Light

Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th’encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Saviour, lead me home in childlike faith,
Home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.

May each of us find true freedom.

God Bless💖