I have been told by one of my Cursillo buddies that I like to “poke the bear”. What he means is that I tend to spark a bit of trouble by bringing up somewhat controversial topics. Particularly on social media. I really try to restrain myself but there are times when I cannot hold back. I see an issue that needs to be addressed and move ahead with being the addressor (No, not “a dresser”…I am not a piece of bedroom furniture).
So, needless to say, the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade provided me with ample opportunities to get the Bruin poking stick active. I began by reposting some thoughts others had on the issue then engaged in discussion by raising points such as regarding when life begins, the issues of rape and threats to the Mother, crisis pregnancy centers, responsibilities that the Fathers should accept (either voluntarily or by legal coercion), compassion for women in these situations but ultimately not turning to abortion as a solution for difficult circumstances.
Predictably I received support when I posted on my page but if I responded to pro-choice posts on other pages I received a great deal of heat in response to my stances on the issue. I was prepared for this. The discussion was mostly civil and when it was apparent that we had all reached an impasse, I withdrew from the exchange. I know some of you may feel that Facebook is not the best forum for these type of discussions and may only serve to create more division. And you certainly may be right. I guess I hope that there are those in the background, not openly responding, who may receive the message and have an impact.
I was on a motorcycle ride last week and the issue of Roe came up at lunch and we had a very productive conversation. Face to face does seem to be a much more effective way of discussion. There is a greater willingness to listen and be respectful on both sides of a debate when you are in each other’s presence. But the risk is still there in terms of having anger as a response or loss of relationships.
Which brings us to Jeremiah in today’s first reading. He was told by God to go to the people of Judah and tell them in no uncertain terms that the path that they were on (worshipping idols, ignoring God’s commands, participating in child sacrifice) will lead to their destruction. To the same end that struck the people of the Northern Kingdom. Their exile. He has warned them that they will suffer as did the city of Shiloh. Shiloh was a city in the North where Joshua established the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant. Where Hannah went up to with her family to worship and where she returned with Samuel to surrender him to Eli the priest. Where Samuel first heard God’s voice. But even this great city in God’s eyes was not immune from destruction as a result of the people ignoring the prophets God sent over the ages warning the people of their sinfulness.
The response from the people of Judah to Jeremiah was to plot to have him killed. To silence him. They did not want to hear of their own sinfulness and what God had in store for them. Thankfully for Jeremiah, some elders stepped up to defend him saying that if he is from God he does not deserve death.
In the Gospel from today we hear the familiar story of John the Baptist. John was arrested by Herod because of John’s public condemnation of Herod marrying his brother Phillip’s wife, Herodias. Who also happened to be Herod and Phillip’s niece. Herod divorced his wife, daughter of the King of Petra, in order to marry Herodias. Herod held some respect for John but Herodias wanted him dead. Herod’s pleasure over watching Herodias’ daughter, Salome, dance at a banquet led him to promise her whatever she wanted up to half the kingdom. After consultation with her Mother, the girl asked for the head of John the Baptist. Herod had no choice but to comply.
John paid the price for his pointing out Herod’s sin. And Jeremiah almost did the same. While not raising to the level of martyrdom, speaking out today can have its repercussions as well. Forced isolation from friends and family seem to be the strategy today. And being social beings it can be difficult to be cut off from cultural interactions. But we are called. Not to judge or accuse but to speak the truth in a compassionate way. Jesus was the model for us. To condemn the sin and love the sinner. And in doing so, sometimes we have to poke the bear.
