The more I've lived the Gospel in my own everyday life, the more it has become natural for me to tell the truth no matter how embarrassing it can be...

“Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others I will deny before my heavenly Father.” (Mt 10:32-33)

No sooner had I read these words than I was able to put them into practice. As I was checking the credit card statement for my department one day, I realized that the part-time secretary had not submitted the proper paperwork for a trip that one of the professors had taken. I had the receipts, but not the authorization form for taking the trip.

She was new in the office and thought that the paperwork had already been submitted. Even though I assured her that it was not a problem and that she could send the form late and just explain what happened, she was very apologetic and embarrassed. She asked if it would be better if she just didn't turn in the form, since the professor had already returned and no one would know.

The more I've lived the Gospel in my own everyday life, the more it has become natural for me to tell the truth no matter how embarassing it can be. Doing so has always been a freeing experience.

So I very gently explained the importance of doing the right thing even in small matters. It could have been an awkward situation, but I think by being honest with her she was able to overcome her embarrassment and do the right thing.

A.H., Texas

Published with permission from Living City August/September 2012, the Focolare Movement's monthly magazine of religion, dialogue and culture | www.livingcitymagazine.com