Dear Parish Family,
 
Within all of us we hold secrets, either ours or those of others! The Latin word for secrets is secernere meaning “to set apart”, commonly  known as a duty to conceal. Secrets are held in many forms.
 
There are secrets of harm -  where someone is abusing themselves or others, are unfaithful, or contemplating or acting on situations. There are secrets which are entrusted, or confidential—such as the seal of Confession or of national security. There are secrets of a promise - only to be revealed for the most serious reason.  The most joyous of secrets is often  concealed by the holder, such as a reunion, a wedding or birth. Through our human frailty, it is often difficult to not want to share a secret which has been entrusted to us. St Alphonsus of Ligori often spoke of the “secret of trust.” Revelation of someone else’s secrets can cause hurt or sorrow.  We have an obligation to keep the promise entrusted to us.
 
Saint Raymond Non Natus of Spain followed Christian slaves to Algeria.  It is said “when he ran out of his entire inheritance ransoming slaves, he substituted himself for a slave’s freedom.” He was imprisoned for his religious proselytizing  while converting many of the jailers. The Moors bored holes through his lips and sealed his mouth shut to keep him from preaching. He is often depicted in the company of angels. Although this is the extreme, it may be a reminder that we should not betray a confidence or share a secret.  I wonder if this is where the phrase “ putting holes in our tongue”, came from?
 
Is it our own ego that often prompts us to share a secret which has been confided to us? Sharing of this, does not amplify our self-worth, but diminishes it. Isn’t it  better to be thankful that someone feels comfortable enough to share their secret with us? We are reminded by Thomas Kempis, “Blessed are the ears that catch the secret whisperings of Jesus, and pay no heed to the murmurings of the world.”
 
Have a blessed day!
 Mary Jo