Scandal is an attitude or behaviour, which leads
another to do evil. The person who gives scandal
becomes his neighbour's tempter. He damages
virtue and integrity; he may even draw his brother into spiritual death. Scandal is a grave offense if by deed or omission another is deliberately led into a grave offense". (Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 2284).

There are many areas where scandal can be given. The area that most often comes to mind is that which deals with our sexual attitudes and behaviour. These areas are certainly causes for concern when it comes to scandal. The way we dress, the jokes we tell, the movies we see -- all of this, and more, can be a cause of sin in another person.  But besides the sexual
areas, there are many more areas where we must be careful lest we give scandal. Those who are in business must never encourage dishonest practices

among their employees.  Family scandal can be found in such issues as the use of profanity in front of
children, verbal abuse between husbands and wives, totally inappropriate reading materials carelessly left around the house, viewing television programs which lower our respect for people or for the sacredness of life and sexuality. I'll leave it to you to complete the list.

All of what I have said implies that many of us will have to make some changes. It is possible that we were unaware of the effects we were having on
others. But awareness is the work of a good spiritual life. As we look more deeply into our lives and into the possible effects our actions, or lack of action, may be having on others, we will have to follow Jesus'
instructions to cut some things out of our lives.

      Peace,     Fr. John