Calling
someone out is a way of addressing socially problematic language and behavior,
especially online. The practice of calling out people has spread thanks to
social media, which allows people to amplify their message and mobilize for
change like never before. Black Lives Matter fight against police violence, and
the “Me Too” Movement’s fight against sexual violence, largely took off as
hashtag campaigns calling out pernicious people and institutions.
When
we call someone out, we “issue a direct challenge to something they’ve said or done, usually in
public and with the intent of exposing the person’s wrongdoing to others.”[1]
Tobit’s
blindness seems to have made him a bit touchy and impatient. His accusation that
his wife stole a goat and not believing her story is not congruent with Tobit’s
character as a just and charitable man in the eyes of God, his neighbors and
relatives. Anna, being a strong woman, calls Tobit out for this unjust
accusation. She points out his religious hypocrisy and claims how, in his
helplessness, he is showing his true character. Forcing him to examine his life
in light of his words and actions.
Thomas
Merton wrote, “For
me to be a saint means to be myself.” Francis de Sales said,
“Be who you are and be
that well.” We bring all we are before God and must
learn to live with our shortcomings—even our sins—so even they can lead us to
God.
In
today’s Gospel, hypocritical Pharisees and Herodians seek to entrap Jesus with their
question about paying taxes to Rome. Jesus calls them out for violating their own
law by even having the coin they’ve shown him! Further bringing them up short
by responding “Repay
to Caesar”—this coin, stamped with Caesar’s image, and “Repay to God”—what
is stamped with God’s image. We are imago Dei, (in God’s image) and all that we are,
and all creation belong to God.[2]
Justin Martyr, stamped with God’s image, gave witness to it with his life. As patron of philosophers, Justin may inspire us to use our natural powers—especially our power to know and understand—in the service of Christ, and to build up the Christian life within ourselves. Since we are prone to error, especially about the deep questions concerning life and existence, we should also be willing to call ourselves out, to check, and to correct our natural thinking in light of God’s Truth.[3]
[1] Dictionary.com. “Is There a
Difference Between “Calling in” And “Calling Out”?” by Ashley Austrew.
[2] Weekday HomilyHelps. Exegesis by Eugene
Hensell, OSB and Homily Suggestion by Leota Roesch.
[3] franciscan media. “Saint of the Day /
Saint Justin Martyr” June 1, 2020.
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