Go Silent or Speak Up

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious
Readings: 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36; PS 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11; Mt 7:6, 12-14
Notes:

• a. Sometimes we must speak boldly and evangelize the Good News even in the face of grave danger.
• b. Sometimes the right thing to do is to protect yourself.

Like Hezekiah in the first reading we must seek the Lord’s guidance on which is the proper answer.

In the matter of your person:

1. You are Holy, made in the image and likeness of God. Nobody has the right or attractiveness to ruin.
2. You are a Pearl of Great Price. Nobody has the right to trample you or throw you into the mud.
3. Do not submit yourself to be torn to pieces. Either outright or as a secondary effect of surrendering your person to dogs or swine (those without faith).
4. Fools will not listen to you and only discount the truth you are in Christ.

This is about protecting yourself and not harming anyone else.

On this memorial: Aloysius had to face a new penance. The penance of facing new ideas and engaging the world as it is not as the imagination would force it to be.

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-aloysius-gonzaga

First reading
Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it;
then he went up to the temple of the LORD,
and spreading it out before him,
he prayed in the LORD’s presence.

Responsorial Psalm
God upholds his city for ever.

Alleluia Verse
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.

Gospel Portion
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,
lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Do not speak in the hearing of fools;
they will despise the wisdom of your words (Prv 23:9)

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry