When Public Profession is Necessary

It's not always necessary to proclaim that we are believers. Generally, it would be silly to go around carrying a sign saying, "Convert to the One True Church!" (though there might be exceptions to the rule).

"Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words."  ~ this is attributed to your patron saint, St Francis of Assisi.

But Jesus said that He would be ashamed on Judgment Day of those who were ashamed of Him during their lives. He was using a parallel figurative device which was common to the Jewish people – you see it quite often in the Bible. The point is that it's not right to conceal who we are and what we believe when the situation requires us to show ourselves. To do that is to be something like a traitor.

There are certain times that it is important to publicly profess our faith:

1. When it is necessary to protect the honor and glory of God. For example, the early Christians were sometimes asked to offer sacrifices to false gods. They had no choice but to resist or they would have been dishonoring their Savior.
2. When our neighbor's spiritual good requires it. This might not be so clear-cut, but sometimes we might have to speak up to clarify a misunderstanding about the Faith or prevent another Catholic from sinning.
3. When my own spiritual good requires it. For example, when one is being tempted to doubt the truths of the faith, it's important to make an act of faith and pray to God for light or strength to resist the doubt. It's not like blinding oneself to the truth; it's quite the opposite – faith helps us to see better than skepticism does.


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