Twenty-Eighth Friday of Ordinary Time

There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.

Sometimes we are tempted to talk about someone behind their back or do something in secret because we know someone else won’t like what we are doing, but nothing goes unseen by God. All our lies, gossip, betrayals, etc. are on constant display before God. Nothing gives us the right to say or do anything hurtful in secret. We might convince ourselves that we aren’t hurting anyone, but deep inside we know that words as well as works can hurt others. This is why it is so important to be honest and upright in our dealings with others and should never judge them. Judging is for God alone. At the same time, we should not think that our sins do not have consequences for others. Even the most private of sins injures our relationship with God and our family, friends, and neighbors. There is no such thing as a victimless crime. So let us be good and faithful servants living in the light of the gospel and proclaiming it in our every thought, word, and work.

What do we do when we are tempted to talk about someone else behind their back? What do we do when others start to gossip or judge? Do we try to make amends with others when we sin against them?

O Lord, we want to live in your love and proclaim your good news from the housetops.

Amen.