December 18: Reflection

Theme: Stop shaming others

Reading: Mt 1:18–24

There is a salient message for all of us (users of social media) in the gospel of today. In this gospel passage, we were told that when Joseph discovered that the lady (Mary) betrothed to him was with child, and knowing fully well that he was not responsible for that pregnancy, he did not do what the law required of him. The law required him to shame Mary by publicly renouncing her and submitting her to face justice. Joseph did not do any of these, he, rather, opted to treat Mary with compassion by deciding to send her away secretly; he didn’t want her to be shamed, he didn’t want her to face public ridicule.

Dear friends, although we appreciate the fact that social media has given voice to the voiceless, it, however, appears that most times its users have turned it into a platform to shame people. Many social media users do not listen to the voice of compassion in the treatment of those who have made mistakes in their lives, rather, what they listen to is a vicious voice that tells them to drag people out, tell horrible stories about them and shame them. The social media has turned into a medium where people are ripped into shreds whether they are guilty or not. The attitude of shaming others has driven many of its victims into depression and, sometimes, suicide.

Dear users of social media, Joseph is teaching us today that shaming people is not the best way to treat them when we feel they have made mistakes or when we feel they have offended us. Compassion should always direct us in all actions and reactions.

Yes, it is good to listen to the voice of the law and to fulfil its demands, but any law that lacks compassion should not be adhered to strictly. Joseph has taught us how to follow laws that lack the face of compassion in them. Let us follow his steps as we treat others today.

May your new week bear fruits of success and favours.

Fr Isaac Chima.