We Promote NFP Because it is True

On January 20th, on the way back from Pope Francis’s trip to Sri Lanka and the Philippines, in the context of some remarks the Pope made affirming the wisdom of Humanae Vitae, the Holy Father was quoted as saying: “God gives you methods to be responsible. Some think that — excuse the word — that in order to be good Catholics we have to be like rabbits. No.” Needless to say, Pope Francis’s statement provoked much discussion on the blogosphere and elsewhere. I found some articles rather thoughtful and perceptive, others not so much. In any case, it reminded me of some discussions I have had with other NFP advocates and those fighting the so-called “Humanae Vitae wars.” One of the things you hear from time to time, is that this NFP instructor or that NFP couple witness are not credible because they have many children. Who’s going to believe them? Do you really think I’m going to use a method to space the birth of my children that is described to me by someone from whom it appears the method didn’t work? It didn’t seem to work for her—she had ten kids—why should I try it?

Of course, the reality is that NFP instructors and advocates come in all shapes and sizes. Some happen to be mothers of large families. Others, however, are mothers of medium and smaller-sized families. Some instructors are single. Others are mothers, whose children, for the most part, have grown and moved out of the house. (And, yes, most NFP instructors are women.) In any case, in a certain sense, it’s beside the point whether the method works or not. I know that’s a provocative statement because those of us in the HV wars perhaps are tempted from time to time to feel that we have to sell NFP on its reliable, affordable, spiritual, ecological and sociological benefits. Yet, the bottom line is, that’s not why we teach, preach or write about NFP. We promote NFP because it’s true!

For priests and deacons that means that we shouldn’t feel embarrassed about the teaching, shy about preaching on it or reluctant to promote it. In fact, since it is part and parcel of our vocation to be preachers and teachers of the truth, our salvation depends on it. I have to admit, I am always a bit amused when a well-intentioned lay person or cleric tells me I don’t always need to wear my clerics (believe me, I don’t) or criticizes me for weaving “controversial” topics such as abortion, contraception, the death penalty or sterilization into a homily (believe me, I don’t do it enough!). I’m amused because, ultimately, I am the only one responsible for my salvation. And since I am a priest, my job description requires that I witness visibly (by the way I dress, among other things) and courageously, by being willing to teach the truth even when it is not always convenient or comfortable.

Recently, I had the experience of being filmed while giving some talks for an on-line media program. For one of the talks, which was on Chapter 6 of the Gospel of St. John, the “Bread of Life Discourse,” I wove in the topic of marriage and Natural Family Planning. For the filming, my only audience was the tech guy, the producer and program director. I have to confess it felt easier to talk about NFP without an audience. When I bring it up in a homily, the church gets really quiet. At least they’re listening, I think to myself. And, I suppose, that quiet is a good thing. It means that what I am saying is something that the folks in the pews are trying to ponder in their hearts. In the end, if we clergy can present the beautiful teaching on marital love and NFP without apologizing for it or without feeling like we need to sell it (okay, even if it is pretty cool, beautiful, unitive, procreative and all that other good stuff), but because it’s true, then the truth will win out. Why? Because Jesus Christ is true, good and beautiful and in the deepest yearning of our hearts, we long to be united with Him who is true, good and beautiful, not only in this life, but for all eternity.