St. Paul’s parting advice to the Church leaders he was leaving in charge: “Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers.” The clergy abuse scandal serves as a painful example that church leadership has not always done that. My own sense is that it was not due to any malice that the leaders did not “keep watch” but because they didn’t see “the whole flock” but only a portion, the clergy. They didn’t feel what the rest of the flock was experiencing and hence failed in their responsiblity. St. Ignatius suggested one caution we should always bear in mind during times of scandal. If you are resorting to secrets and lies, the saint said, you are giving the devil room to move. Satan cannot operate in the light for Jesus is the light. The more light we can throw on any situation, particularly one infected with sin, the more God’s love and compassion can flourish.
MAY242023
By Church Staff