The clergy sex abuse scandal has caused deep soul searching among Catholics. The words of Jesus serve as the commentary on the situation: “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur.” The “little ones” deserve to be protected at all costs… even a millstone! Which helps us understand the second part of the saying: “If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” Yes, certainly everyone has forgiveness available to him. In the eyes of God after repentance everyone will receive grace and mercy. Forgiven, yes; exonerated, no. We can’t forget the millstone. Since protecting the “little ones” is paramount, we must do all we can to ensure they are never harmed again.
