EMBRACING FAMILY
Our lives have been filled with nonstop news stories about many people touting their freedom, the fact that they have the right to do what they want, when they want. One question that people worldwide are facing is the choice about when and where to use face masks due to the coronavirus.
Rather than look at this as a political question, we can look at it with humility and compassion. Countless lives have been lost, and many suffer from long-lasting symptoms or unemployment. Everyone has been impacted in one way or another. When making decisions as Christians and as Catholics, we must ask ourselves: Does “having the right” to do something guarantee that doing it is the right thing to do?
When evaluating whether to wear a face mask or not, we should consider the fact that wearing a face mask does not protect us; rather, it is worn to protect those around us! In other words, wearing the mask is an act of kindness and respect towards others. To encourage face mask usage, OneOahu.Org has an advertisement with locals wearing face masks that read, “Only Spreading Aloha,” “Kuleana,” “Kokua,” “I Wear It for Hawaii,” “I Wear It for You,” “It’s the Least I Can Do,” and “Aloha.”
As Catholic Christians, we are called to evaluate our choices with the perspective of faith. When we exercise our freedom to make legal choices, that does not necessarily mean that they are moral. We are called by God not only to be citizens of earth, but citizens of heaven, which challenges us to live our Catholic Christian faith ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. Thus, we are called to live not solely by a standard of legality, but also of morality.
The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” describes the true meaning of freedom from the faith perspective: “The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just” (#1733). Hence, the church challenges us to view our freedom as the opportunity to do what is good and right — for others and ourselves.
As citizens of America and citizens of the Communion of Saints, it is time that we challenge ourselves and those around us to approach our freedom of decision-making with a spirit of faith, reminding ourselves that “having the right” does not necessarily mean that it is the right thing to do.
How about discussing “I Have the Right vs. Is it Right?” with our spouses? Our children? Faith-based decision making can transform our marriages and families. We can all try, knowing that we are not alone. We are citizens of the Communion of Saints and our support network is out of this world!
We’d love to hear from you, Hawaii Catholic Herald readers. When discussing “I Have the Right vs. Is it Right?” what was the conversation you had with your family? What insights were shared? If you have questions you would like addressed in “Embracing Family,” please email them to Sarah and David at Success@EmbraceFamilyLearning.com and we would be honored to lift you in prayer and respond, as well! If desired, you may remain anonymous.
