Calumny, Slander, and Detraction

Father Jim Tucker has an excellent post about calumny and detraction. If we Catholics do nothing else for Lent, let us at least work on rooting out such bad habits. I have seen more friendships and relationships in church-related groups destroyed by gossip and slander, as well as unity in extended families. Catholics who are already beleaguered by the unbelieving world often find rejection in the Church due to some careless gossip. Be careful what you say about people, even if you know what you say is true; especially, use discretion in what you put on your blog. Only God knows all the details; only He knows both sides of the story. We believing Catholics should support each other, not tear each other down.