In Life of Christ, Fulton Sheen reflects on why John the Baptist confronted Herod on his sinful and scandalous marriage to Herodias, both of whom had been married before. Sheen says:
“If there was one subject that, from a worldly point of view, John would have been wise to avoid in that court, it was this situation. But John was bent on pleasing God, not men; he resolved to talk against such lustful living. He was too kind to excuse Herod’s sin, too interested in moral health to leave the wound unproved, too loving to have any thought except to save Herod’s soul.”
John’s kindness, interest, and love cost him his life. There is criticism that is made in the spirit of love, and that which is rooted in anger, envy, or some other evil motive. And as the life of John the Baptist illustrates, criticism can be (and often is) taken poorly regardless of the spirit in which it was intended.
Many Christians are frustrated and saddened because family members and friends have fallen away from their faith and allowed sin to take hold. Like John, they can think of nothing more important than that their souls be saved. But they fear their well-intended criticism will be taken in anger and drive these souls further away — from them and from God. And yet to withhold criticism, to remain silent, would seem to be not an act of kindness, but of moral cowardice.
It is a difficult problem, one for which I have no solution.
Reflection
- Am I remaining silent when I should speak?
- Am I remaining silent only or mainly out of fear of provoking a fight?
- Do I have options other than criticism to bring souls I love closer to God?
An interesting view of John’s position — not one of anger, but one help for the other. Thanks
I had never thought of it that way before,