These past weeks have been
difficult for the church with so much scandal coming to light, many are
contemplating leaving the church, others are predicting the fall of Catholicism
and others hope that this will help cleanse the church. I have tried keeping up with the tabloids
reading both pieces pro and against our pope trying to make a decision as to
where I stand. However, not everything
is black or white – resign or not resign is not the position that I support
because the pope’s position is not like a politician that can easily be replaced. Also, all the focus has been on condemning
the pope, that we have forgotten the real predators and even the victims behind
this grave sin. My mind has been
restless trying to figure out the best action plan during these difficult times
and I've come up with my own way of dealing.
Prayer- I’ve been praying,
interceding for our church, our pope, the victims... When I see another sad headline on the news I
pray. Voicing my fears and hurt to God
has helped me see beyond the scandal and to remain Catholic because I know that
while sinners make up the church God is the head and He will provide and redeem-
even in darkness, that’s His specialty (smile).
Prudence- I try not to react to
everything that I am seeing in the news or social media, but to take everything in and
contemplate trying to sift between the truth and the biased reporting. Thinking before I act- I wish I had a friend
who I could talk to away from social media about some of my feelings because
posting negative things is not my style.
In the meantime just holding my tongue has been really helpful in not
creating more drama.
Remembering our History- This has
been extremely important. Recalling the
hardships we have faced as a church and reading biblical stories reminds me
that there has always been great division, trouble and sin in our lineage. Thinking of the many great biblical
characters that have fallen and God redeemed gives me the greatest
hope.
Making it Personal- While news reports allege that there’s a secret
homosexual club within the church, that sixty-percent of priests are gay,
that hundreds of priest are pedophiles… My reality is different, the priests
that I know are amazing men (with flaws) that have given their lives to serve. The priests I know have helped me and my
family through some of the darkest times in our lives, they are optimistic and
hopeful and truly believe in God and our Catholic Church. They give great witness to our faith and
inspire me to be a better version in Christ….
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the
scandal, but reflecting on why I am Catholic leads to hope and a desire to
stick around to share in brighter days (smile).
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