Something to ponder.

MyCatholic.com gives a short catechism lesson each day. Today I noticed it was about when to tell the truth. Something that is not often covered in religious ed classes, at least not beyond the early grade-school level. Here is what the catechism has to say about it:

Catechism #2488
The right to the communication of the truth is not unconditional. Everyone must conform his life to the Gospel precept of fraternal love. This requires us in concrete situations to judge whether or not it is appropriate to reveal the truth to someone who asks for it.

Reminds me of steps 8 and 9 of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Those seeking to follow the 12 steps are told in step 8 of the importance of making amends to all those whom they have harmed in any way. The caveat however, is that direct amends sometimes brings up hurtful feelings or memories, and may sometimes endanger the other person. In cases like this, indirect amends are made instead.

In times past, too many of society's problems were swept under the rug, and made as if they didn't exist. Today our "tell all" society would often have us go to the other extreme.

The Church asks us to think deeply about each individual situation and to always act with charity and fraternal love for the other party foremost in our minds.