Schooler's Sagacity and Senility: Homilies from Fr. Bill

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

23 SEPTEMBER 2018

          When Jesus takes a child into his arms, he tells his disciples that whoever welcomes this child welcomes him.  Tragically, we have heard too many horrific reports of priests who have done great harm to children, and by extension, to Christ and to his Church.  If you are outraged, scandalized, ashamed, and confused, please know that you are not alone.  Bishop Rhoades, Father Eric, I, and our staff share these feelings. 

            However, we also need to remember that the holiness of the Church relies not on the leaders of the Church, but on the total self-giving love of Jesus Christ.  That is what he says to his disciples and us today.  He invites us to respond to his total gift of selfless love by imitating him and dying to ourselves.  As we rely on his total gift of selfless-love, it is important that we express our feelings.  We also need to look to the future and trust that Christ will heal his Church as she is now being purified.  Trust is hard, because trust has been lost.

            Saint James says that conflicts arise when our passions are disordered.  While we need to express our passionate feelings, we have to be careful not to allow our anger and fear to do any further harm to the Body of Christ.  We need to remember that under the leadership of both Bishops D’Arcy and Rhoades, successful reforms have been put in place to ensure the safety of our children.  As time goes on, we will find ways of dealing with this situation.  But, they must be positive ways that bring about healing and renewal. 

In just a moment, Bishop Rhoades will explain the good work done in our Diocese through the Annual Bishop’s Appeal.  Please listen with an open heart and prayerfully consider what is being asked of us.  Also, remember that our parish is so accustomed to the generous response of so many that we rely on the funds which come back to us once we go over our goal.

 To be honest, those of us on staff questioned whether it is wise to do the Bishop’s Appeal video after the names of the credibly accused priests was listed last week.  But, it really provides an opportunity for reflection.  A good friend told me that he had considered withholding his contribution as a way of sending a message.  But he prayed over it and talked to his wife.  He was able to let go of his anger and choose love instead, and love changed him.  He recognized that he was being tempted by Satan to lose faith in the core of the holiness of the Church: the total self-gift of Jesus Christ.  As you will hear from Saint Paul in the video, “The love of Christ urges us on.”