Ibegin a new series of columns that I have entitled, “Living the Truth in Love.” It takes its inspirations from the Letter to the Ephesians 4:11-16: “And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ, so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body’s growth and builds itself up in love.”

Indeed, we live in a time of growing secularism that wishes to impose “every wind of teaching arising from human trickery.” How do we keep from being tossed about by waves and swept along? In these times it is for us to seek unity of faith, maturity in Christ, and to live the truth in love.

So let us start with a question that may be on your minds. How do I live the truth in love, when members of my family seem obstinately opposed to faith?

Here are a few suggestions. Before addressing how to navigate the circumstances with your family members, it is important to attend to your own faith development and grow closer in your friendship with Jesus. Spend time in prayer each day. Go to confession regularly (about once a month is a good practice), participate in Mass every Sunday (or Saturday evening) and Holy Day. Take time to learn more about your faith.

Next, it is important to have good Catholic friends. Join a parish if you have not done so. Get involved in the parish. Volunteer for something. Join a Bible study or a prayer group. We do not live the Christian life alone and we all need a good friend who is a faithful follower of Jesus. If you are not finding support in your family, it will be even more important to seek good Catholic friends and look for opportunities where we can develop good relationships.

When it comes to your family and opposition that you might be receiving, it is good to maintain your own faith practice, but do not push or nag your family members. Pray for them. Be good to them. Do not initiate a religious discussion if it will erupt in fireworks. Let your example stand on its own. This does not mean tolerating abusive or manipulative behavior. If such behavior erupts, be firm and lovingly insist they treat you with respect.

I have offered here a few suggestions to get us started. As we further explore this question and others, we will learn more and more to live the truth in love.

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