In this speech, Fulton Sheen explores the dangers of two extremes in the Church: the activist who prioritizes social justice but neglects spirituality, and the pacifist who focuses solely on personal piety and liturgy, neglecting action and care for others. Sheen traces the roots of activism to Marxism, highlighting Marx’s belief that private property and religion alienate man from his true nature. Sheen argues that some in the Church have adopted Marxist activism, which focuses on collective concerns at the expense of personal spiritual growth.
He contrasts this with those who focus excessively on liturgy and personal piety, neglecting the needs of their community. Drawing on biblical texts from Amos and Isaiah, Sheen critiques the idea of isolating oneself spiritually while ignoring justice and action in the world.
Sheen emphasizes the need to balance both extremes, using the example of the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals his glory on the mountaintop but then descends into the valley to heal a boy possessed by demons. The message is clear: profound spirituality should precede and inform action.
He further illustrates this balance through stories of social justice, particularly his own experience offering housing to the poor, which was rejected by activists who misunderstood the deeper spiritual foundation behind the action. He also highlights the example of Mother Teresa, whose spiritual discipline and prayer allowed her to truly serve the destitute.
Sheen concludes by stating that while economic and political liberation is essential, it must be rooted in personal enslavement to Christ, emphasizing that true liberation comes when we become slaves to God’s will, following the example of Christ. This spiritual foundation must precede all social action to ensure it is not mere busywork, but truly transformative.
This speech calls for a balance of deep prayer and spirituality with active engagement in the world, guided by the ultimate aim of individual and collective justice rooted in faith.
