By Please ponder this with me.
Blaise Pascal:
“It is as much a crime to disturb the peace when the truth prevails as it is a crime to keep the peace when the truth is violated. There is therefore a time in which peace is justified and another time when it is not justifiable. For it is written that there is a time for peace and a time for war and it is the law of truth that distinguishes the two. But at no time is there a time for truth and a time for error, for it is written that God’s truth shall abide forever. That is why Christ has said that He has come to bring peace and at the same time that He has come to bring the sword. But He does not say that He has come to bring both the truth and the falsehood.”
This quote speaks of essential truths that we must hold clearly in our hearts and minds. I often reflect on and pray for prudence. Pascal's words remind me that it can be imprudent to speak but it can also be imprudent not to speak. Discerning when to speak and when to remain silent is a challenge for all of us but we must acknowledge that silence can be imprudent just as speaking out can be imprudent.
Ultimately we must turn to Truth Incarnate, Jesus Christ. When His Truth is denied we must speak up, to remain silent in the face of falsehood is a betrayal of the Son of God, His Father and their Spirit.
+Joseph
Joseph Strickland
Bishop Joseph E. Strickland was named the fourth bishop of Tyler in September of 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. Prior to being named bishop, he served a number of roles in the diocese, including vicar general, judicial vicar, and pastor of the Cathedral parish. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1985. 