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The twelfth petition of the Litany of Humility confronts one of the harshest trials of the soul:
“From the fear of being calumniated, deliver me, O Jesus.”
Calumny is slander — false accusations that destroy reputation. Unlike rebukes, which may contain some truth, calumny is a lie aimed at wounding. Our natural instinct is to defend ourselves, to fear the loss of good name. Yet Christ Himself was calumniated: accused of being a blasphemer, a glutton, even possessed by demons. “If they called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of His household” (Mt 10:25).
St. Thomas Aquinas teaches:
“Backbiting is a graver sin than theft, for it robs a man of his good name, which is more precious than riches.” (ST II-II, q.73, a.2)
If loss of reputation is such a heavy cross, then freedom from the fear of calumny is necessary for holiness. Otherwise, we will be slaves to human opinion rather than servants of God.
Eastern Witness: St. John Damascene
St. John Damascene (7th–8th century) was a defender of the veneration of holy icons during the time of iconoclasm. His enemies calumniated him, accusing him of treachery against the Caliph whom he served as a civil official. As a result, he was punished harshly, his right hand cut off.
In his anguish, he prayed before an icon of the Mother of God, and tradition holds that his hand was miraculously restored. Far from silencing him, calumny became the occasion for an even greater witness to truth.
Western Witness: St. Padre Pio
St. Padre Pio (20th century), the Capuchin friar known for the stigmata, healings, and spiritual gifts, endured years of calumny. He was accused of fraud, immorality, and disobedience. Even within the Church, restrictions were placed on his ministry because of slander.
Yet Padre Pio submitted silently, refusing to defend himself. He trusted that God would vindicate him. His calm endurance of calumny became one of his greatest lessons to his spiritual children: that truth needs no defense but patience.
Calumny as a Cross
John Damascene and Padre Pio show us that calumny, though unjust, can purify the soul when endured with faith. The world may steal our good name, but God crowns us with His.
Aquinas reminds us of Christ’s example:
“Christ willed to suffer reproaches and calumnies, that He might give us an example of patience.” (ST III, q.47, a.2)
Thus, to be delivered from the fear of calumny is to rest secure in God’s truth, even when the world speaks lies.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, deliver me from the fear of being calumniated. With John Damascene, may I trust You when lies surround me. With Padre Pio, may I bear false accusations in silence, knowing You are my defender. Grant me patience when the world robs my good name, for my name is written in heaven.
From the fear of being calumniated, deliver me, O Jesus.
