Last Friday, the Church celebrated the memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe. One famous quote that is attributed to him is, “the most deadly poison of our time is indifference.” This is prevalent in our world today. It is seen in hearts that are lukewarm in faith and for love of God. Indifference is also seen when it comes to truth, morality, and the difference between right and wrong, good and evil.
We hear it all the time; phrases such as, “you do you”, when it comes to people living certain lifestyles. We must not judge people, because only God knows their hearts and souls, and we too are sinners in great need of God’s mercy. However, this does not mean that we should not recognize immoral behavior and stand up for the truth. Moral relativism is rampant in our society. It is the belief that there is no absolute truth and it changes from person to person based on personal beliefs and experiences. As Catholics, we know that there is absolute truth and it is something we need to stand up for.
The news and media constantly bring instances of evil and immorality to our attention. But many people see what’s going on around them and don’t recognize it as wrong, and maybe even celebrate it. This brings to mind a verse from Isaiah, “Ah! Those who call evil good, and good evil, who change darkness to light, and light into darkness, who change bitter to sweet, and sweet into bitter” (Isaiah 5:20, NABRE)! We are living in times where we see something evil, and people call it good. How often do we not want to speak up because it will bring attention to us, make us appear different, or we will be given certain labels? However, we cannot sit back and say nothing. If we love God, that should lead us to speak up for the truth, no matter the cost.
When we know something is immoral and evil, we cannot unknow. And this means we have a responsibility. As people of faith and followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to share the truth. My prayer for today is that our hearts would be filled with the love of God to the point that we would never become indifferent to what’s happening around us, sharing the truth always.
Faith and The Good Stuff 
Katie, thank you for this reflection. Last week I spent the week with 1,300 religious priests, brothers and sisters. We heard keynote speakers, practiced Conversations in the Spirit and walked for issues on dignity for all life. The one quote I continue to embrace comes from St Anthony of Padua.. “Let you actions speak boldly.”. Yes, we are all called to speak the truth . It was a promise we made at Baptism.
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