At the closing of “Pride Month,” let us take a moment to consider a few things. First, always defy the stereotype that people think you are. To modern American culture, anything less than the total enthusiastic celebration of all things “pride” suggests one is filled with hatred and bigotry. So, in response, never, ever act like the stereotype they think you are. We can improve so much of life through one simple rule: be kind. You can disagree with someone’s beliefs and lifestyle while being courteous and respectful. Stick to your principles but treat everyone courteously regardless of differences; basic human decency doesn’t compromise beliefs but maintains respect and kindness.
I want to stress that you are not an accessory to homosexual sin by merely displaying basic human courtesy. Look at Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well as an example. Yes, you may have to decline an invitation to attend a parade or a civil wedding; these things may be unpleasant and result in hurt feelings, but they can be done with basic human respect and authentic Christian love.
Second, recognize the importance of viewing each person as an individual, not merely as a member of a group. Society has done much to group all “pride” members a mass with one identity. This kind of grouping causes a struggle to view people as individuals with inherent dignity, created in the image of God. You never know how the Holy Spirit can use anything you do or say to plant a mustard seed of faith in someone’s soul. On the opposing end, if you treat an individual struggling with homosexuality with a cold shoulder, they can very easily equate that to a universal “shunning” from the Church. Never forget that some of the greatest saints were once the most radical of sinners.
Third, educate yourself. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” Before you can articulate the immoral state of homosexuality, first study the Church’s sexual moral teachings. The ability to explain why you hold these beliefs benefits both yourself and others.
Fourth and finally, make sure to remove the wooden beam from your own eye before you remove the splinter from your brother’s. The Church’s understanding of human sexuality and the value of the virtue of chastity will only begin to truly make sense when you start getting your own life and behavior in order. Reflect on your own transgressions. Suppose you are having premarital sex, using contraception, acting on infidelity, etc.. In that case, you have no business criticizing anyone for homosexual actions. Ultimately, these actions are not fundamentally all that different than those of homosexuality; both are acts against God’s design for sex. One of the legitimate obstacles people with same-sex attractions can face with the Church is the feeling of being uniquely singled out for their sexual hangups while everyone else “gets a pass.”
To paraphrase Chesterton, we’re all in the same boat, and we’re all seasick; original sin has created some level of embarrassing and awkward sexual disfunction in every human person, and when you’re humble enough to recognize it in yourself and ask God for the grace to heal, it goes a long way in helping you defend the Church’s teachings and give some peace to your conscience. In summation: Begin kindness, try to see the individual and not the group, educate yourself, and through the grace of God, start working on cleaning up your own life before criticizing others. If we all can do these four things, you will be amazed at what the Holy Spirit can do with that simple mustard seed.
Father Andrew Meng — A Summary of his June 2024 homily