There is considerable negativity in our churches today. While many feel compelled to say something, a good number prefer to stay mum, some prefer to pray. But there are a great number of us who do not think twice about criticizing the church. And so it goes like this.
The Priestly Collar
I watched a homily by a renowned priest on YouTube a couple of days ago and was amazed at his tenacity - he said it like it is without mincing words. I also believe that when a person holds the Holy Eucharist – the Body of Christ in his hands but defiles others, can he continue using the collar and be a priest, like really? We are a mistake making people and no one is devoid of sin. Jesus said, ‘Let one who is without sin cast the first stone.’ However, Jesus also said that He did not want the house of God to be made into a den of thieves. In this context, as we look at the destruction of young boys, girls, women this is theft of their innocence. Preying on the innocence using a collar is so very wrong. From my limited point of view, I believe as a firm Catholic that any religious person, who does not follow God’s laws and the laws of the church, needs to be reprimanded and brought to book. Don’t you agree?
Staging a Coup
There is another facet that has been plaguing the church when politically motivated parishioners stage coups to eradicate good priests to carve a niche for their political ambitions. The good priests who follow the tenets of Catholic principles are caught in a web of deceit by dreadful parishioners who hold high positions and ultimately mar the reputation of parish priests causing good churches to go downhill. Many believe that they are doing good work, but are actually wolves that prey on the decency of many innocent parishioners and innocent priests.
Choir Disharmony
Most choirs start out with good intentions. But over time aspirations by some seeking adulation becomes the basis. The initial good intentions change course, by the misguided many, causing others to lose focus, cause disruption resulting in the cacophony. Instead of staying the course and praising God, the direction towards the larger door becomes the piece de resistance. Ill-advised choir members, governed by greed to maintain the focus of the congregation, cause irreparable harm because of misplaced aspirations. The objective of singing with harmony goes downhill. Dissenting voices strum negativity which is the ultimate price of biting into the forbidden fruit.
As a Thought
With issues and problems plaguing the church - sex scandals, rapes, politics, it gets nauseating for lay people who look forward to participating in the Eucharistic celebration. As a firm Catholic who loves my faith, I believe that the issues must be addressed with firmly. People who misuse their office should be brought to book. Whether it is a parishioner, a priest, nun, members of prayer groups and so on and so forth. This should address the problem head-on without paving the way for more ridicule and unfair commentary by everyone who has an opinion.
That being said, when an impropriety has been committed, is it wise to have someone with a collar lead the flock in the wrong direction?
The Priestly Collar
I watched a homily by a renowned priest on YouTube a couple of days ago and was amazed at his tenacity - he said it like it is without mincing words. I also believe that when a person holds the Holy Eucharist – the Body of Christ in his hands but defiles others, can he continue using the collar and be a priest, like really? We are a mistake making people and no one is devoid of sin. Jesus said, ‘Let one who is without sin cast the first stone.’ However, Jesus also said that He did not want the house of God to be made into a den of thieves. In this context, as we look at the destruction of young boys, girls, women this is theft of their innocence. Preying on the innocence using a collar is so very wrong. From my limited point of view, I believe as a firm Catholic that any religious person, who does not follow God’s laws and the laws of the church, needs to be reprimanded and brought to book. Don’t you agree?
Staging a Coup
There is another facet that has been plaguing the church when politically motivated parishioners stage coups to eradicate good priests to carve a niche for their political ambitions. The good priests who follow the tenets of Catholic principles are caught in a web of deceit by dreadful parishioners who hold high positions and ultimately mar the reputation of parish priests causing good churches to go downhill. Many believe that they are doing good work, but are actually wolves that prey on the decency of many innocent parishioners and innocent priests.
Choir Disharmony
Most choirs start out with good intentions. But over time aspirations by some seeking adulation becomes the basis. The initial good intentions change course, by the misguided many, causing others to lose focus, cause disruption resulting in the cacophony. Instead of staying the course and praising God, the direction towards the larger door becomes the piece de resistance. Ill-advised choir members, governed by greed to maintain the focus of the congregation, cause irreparable harm because of misplaced aspirations. The objective of singing with harmony goes downhill. Dissenting voices strum negativity which is the ultimate price of biting into the forbidden fruit.
As a Thought
With issues and problems plaguing the church - sex scandals, rapes, politics, it gets nauseating for lay people who look forward to participating in the Eucharistic celebration. As a firm Catholic who loves my faith, I believe that the issues must be addressed with firmly. People who misuse their office should be brought to book. Whether it is a parishioner, a priest, nun, members of prayer groups and so on and so forth. This should address the problem head-on without paving the way for more ridicule and unfair commentary by everyone who has an opinion.
That being said, when an impropriety has been committed, is it wise to have someone with a collar lead the flock in the wrong direction?
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