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Sirach 8:17-19. Some more words of wisdom from Sirach: do not consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret; do not do anything to be kept secret in the presence of a stranger, for you do not know what he will divulge; do not reveal your thoughts to everyone, lest you drive away your good luck.

 

These all further support my thoughts in "The (Much Needed) Wisdom of Silence" and "(In Which the Holy Spirit Checks Me...:)" We have to learn discretion, especially now, and especially with our innermost thoughts. There is no need to tell everyone everything. There is no need to shout everything we believe on the internet - where one is surrounded by strangers. There is especially no need to sin - to send mean or hurtful tweets or posts that accomplish nothing but sin for us and hurt for others.

 

OK, so that all makes sense, and is a lesson that I have been learning and I think is becoming pretty well ingrained. But, we do all need to be able to talk to someone about our innermost thoughts, about the things that are bothering us, about our opinions, even if they are wrong. How will we ever learn if our way of thinking is incorrect, or our opinions are counteracted by the truth, if we don't talk and debate? So who can we talk to? Not, according to Sirach, the fool, or the stranger, or "everyone". The internet is everyone and strangers, don't do it there. Yard signs are everyone and strangers, don't use them (why would I presume people driving down my street care what "I Believe?" The arrogance!). Loud proclamations in any public space, or even in a private place around people you do not know intimately, are not right, either. Those are not the places to be spouting off or divulging secrets.

 

But we do need trusted friends and advisors, people who will listen and offer their truthful, loving ear and input. When we turn to God first, he gives us these people, but we have to be open to them. We have to be quiet long enough, and exercise some good judgment in choosing who we speak to. When we speak, we should not be trying to change people, we should not have an agenda, and we truly must listen to others. When we do this, when we listen to people, we learn who the fools are and who can be trusted. To the trustworthy we can share our innermost thoughts, fears, opinions, and they will help us on our path to wisdom and holiness.

 

Over the lockdown, many of those I thought trustworthy have become "fools." Probably due to the purposely manufactured fear and anxiety, they have cast around for some guidance and meaning, and have turned to the media and politicians. Thus, they have been influenced by this creeping, pervasive evil (there is no other word for it) that is taking over the culture. This was a total shock to me - I don't watch the news, so I was unaware of how pervasive all of this was until I saw it first hand in people I trusted. My husband and I call them pod people, since it was very much like Invasion of the Body Snatchers. People who had always been loving and kind, and who looked and acted normally in almost every way, would suddenly become furious and hateful at the mention of something - even something easily verified. It was, and is, demonic!

 

These people ceased being trusted friends and started pushing an agenda. I realized I could not talk to them anymore. I love them and pray for them, but I could not share my innermost thoughts with with them. It was heartbreaking. But, at the same time I was realizing this, our parish was having daily Adoration (since we could not have Mass). I would go and talk to Jesus every day. He comforted me, he guided me. For me, I think that was the lesson here.

 

As soon as I realized he is the only person I can truly trust, I started feeling consolation. I started turning to Jesus first in all my struggles, and I felt his presence and his comfort. I then also started making new, trustworthy friends who are not "pod people." They do not foolishly follow the prevailing narrative and try to force it on me and others. They listen to me, and I to them. They guide, help, offer advice, and share their own thoughts in loving friendship. This has been an amazing gift and an amazing learning experience! God will give us what we ask, we have to trust that he knows the best way to answer us.