May I propagate doctrinal error for the sake of ‘charity’?
Our life, like that of Jesus, unfolds among people in the heart of society. At a banquet, all eyes were fixed on Jesus. And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. And Jesus asked, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath, or not?"
Jesus did what he had to do, unconcerned about false scandals. And then, he explained his behavior. That is how we should practice our faith. At times, those around us may not appreciate our example or may even oppose it. But we can never make concessions in essential matters, nor hide our light, in a false attempt to adapt ourselves to the environment around us.
We need strength of character to lead a Christian life with all its consequences. “Therefore, at times, we have no alternative but to give a hard time to ourselves and to others, to help them be better. Even if other people misinterpret our actions and react disagreeably."
“We have to learn to disagree charitably with others - whenever the need arises - without becoming unpleasant."
We too must seek the good of all souls. By our good example and sound doctrine, we will try to draw them closer to God. “A saint is an 'uncomfortable' person. But that doesn't mean he has to be ‘unbearable’. His should never be a bitter zeal. When he corrects, he should not do so in a wounding manner. His example should not be a ‘moral slap in the face’ for his friends. Christ's charity, the holy patience towards others I referred to, should soften everything." St. Josemaría
“Our attitude ought to be just the opposite. We don't want anyone to go away because we haven't known how to understand them or treat them affectionately. We should never be people who are looking for a fight."
Our behavior must always be marked by sensitivity and affection. We should listen to and take an interest in other people's concerns and struggles.
Indeed, we must always live among the people of our time, in accordance with their mentality and customs. But always be prepared to make a defense for the hope that is in us in Christ Jesus. We don't have to adapt to your surroundings, since we are already among our fellow men; nor can we be told apart as disciples of Christ. What a great deal of wishful thinking, fear, and cowardice there is in certain desires for adaptation, at the cost of spreading errors!
“The spreading of Christian teaching need not provoke antagonism or harm those who do not know our doctrine. If one proceeds with charity, anyone who might otherwise have been opposed to Christianity and been deceived by error may easily and honestly end up committing himself to it. However, there can be no giving ground in dogma in the name of a naive ‘lee way of belief’, for if anyone acted in this way, he would risk putting himself out of the Church. Instead of winning a benefit for others, he would harm himself."
Nov 10 Mon