Catechism in a Year Day 273 - What should you do if you have lied/deceived/betrayed someone? // Why does telling the truth require discretion? What should you do if you have lied to, deceived, or betrayed someone? Every offense against truth and justice, even if it has been forgiven, demands reparation. If one cannot make amends publicly for a lie or false testimony, one must at least do whatever one can secretly. If one cannot compensate the injured party directly for the wrong, one is obliged in conscience to give him moral satisfaction, in other words, one must do his best so as to make at least symbolic reparation. Why does telling the truth require discretion? Communicating truth must be done prudently within the context of charity. Often the truth is wielded as a weapon and thus has a destructive rather than a constructive effect. When conveying information, we should think of the three sieves of Socrates: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it helpful? Discretion is called for also in dealing with professional secrets. They should always be kept, except in special cases defined by strict criteria. Likewise, anyone who publicizes confidential communications that were made under the seal of secrecy commits a sin. Everything we say must be true, but we need not say everything that is true. (YOUCAT questions 456-457) Dig Deeper: CCC section (2487-2489)
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:45:03 +0000