Can I just admit, I hate wearing masks. I hate to see smiles covered in the execution of the seemingly dehumanizing expectations that we are forced to endure both in the Church and out. I social distance, if I am in a place where that isn’t possible I wear a mask. I comply exactly with the CDC guidelines to the letter, no more though. My behavior comes from what I feel is true and correct based on the data and recommendations. Okay, here goes the second unsolicited admission, I long for a more traditional liturgy. I even long to have my priest with his back to me during the consecration leading me in prayer. I long to hear the language of the Church during mass. I long to know the prayers in the language my ancestors used at mass. I know some think this is crazy and I’m okay with that. Maybe your chiding will help with my much needed humility.
I know I’m not alone, right now many feel angry at our bishops and government authorities for the measures taken for COVID. I know many that don’t like the style of the (insert your pet peeve here) at their parish. If you are reading this because you think this is going to be a debate about liturgy or masks you might as well stop right here because this is not about changing these things, though it is about change.
Many like me are angry because the liturgy isn’t done the way they think it should be done. Many are angry because the parish activities aren’t what they think they should be. Many are angry because CCD isn’t what they think it should be. Many accuse good priests of being sell-outs etc…. Too much Latin, not enough Latin….an altar rail,no altar rail….
We feel persecuted as if we are being crucified. I have been thinking lately about our current scenario (those that follow my wall know this too well).😁
Who among us in our parish has made a total commitment to Christ and His bride forsaking all else to serve His people? I have spoken to many priests in the last several weeks, and I can tell you that our human mental struggles over culture, loneliness, feeling out of control, lack of progress, abandonment, health concerns, obedience to things that don’t make sense etc.., are nothing compared to what they are experiencing after leaving an empty mass, to return to an empty rectory and voicemails or letters of complaint. These men who are just as imperfect and human as we are have forsaken all else for the sake of our souls. These same men in these days are met far too often with the equivalent of lashes, spitting and taunting as they carry their cross for us. The fact that we all need to remember is that our priests don’t like this situation anymore than we do, neither do the bishops. NONE OF US LIKE IT!
I want to finish by asking you some questions from my evolving reflections over the last several months.
I think we are being persecuted by the scandals of the Church, the drop in attendance and donations, closures, mask mandates, desecration of holy images and the very body of Our Lord, the twisting of dogma, the loss of souls, the list goes on… Now the question, would the most persecuted person be you and I, or would it be the man standing in the person of Christ in your parish? Are we now so disconnected from reality that we think he would be trying to purposely harm parishioners or the parish?
I have read so many posts on social media over the years lauding parents who “didn’t have much to give me but they gave me all they had” or something of the sort. How are we applying this same charity to our pastors? Looking back on my own behavior at times I see that I have acted like the child who didn’t like what my mom and dad were giving me for dinner so I refused to eat. Many times, I found the same food in front of me for breakfast increasing my hunger and frustration. In an act of further in gratitude, I may even delay eating again demanding that my parents give me what someone else’s parents did because I’d like it better, if I persisted in my demands I would die. Only now that I am a father do I see the sacrifice and love that went into that meal, only now am I hurt by the in gratitude of a child that chooses this path.
If we are demoralized how much more are our priests? We have a whole cottage industry now of those online, both in and out of the Church, who make their living attacking the clergy and pointing out their faults (sadly their analysis is correct in too many instances). The question is, what is engaging in this repetitively doing to your judgment? Is it softening or hardening your heart? Is it building your faith or is it feeding your disillusionment? If Satan were going to come after the Church intent on it’s destruction are you and I the prize that causes the most destruction or are they? We all have a role in maintaining order and truth, I’m not suggesting we abandon the fight. I am suggesting that we take a step back and make sure that we are on the right side of the battle.
Does our behavior reveal the hardness of our hearts? Are we joining the taunting on the way of the cross, will we grab our sword and cut off an ear, or will we be Veronica?
Will we stand back in judgement like the high priest saying CRUCIFY HIM, or will we be found at the foot of the cross?
If this is the passion of the Church then I am sure it will play out much the same way, those in authority will do the will of God and we like the disciples will be told to put away our swords because we do not understand what is going on. We can’t truly see the power of God at work in all things.
Here I must make an honest admission, since my patron is St Peter cutting off an ear seems like a good course of action sometimes. Just kidding of course, well kind of…
Our times demand more of us now, we must not resign our actions to impulses, we must try to unite ourselves to the will of God. We must pray that we not be put to the test, but be ready to pass it if we are. In humility, we must think and pray about what is going on around us. Let’s see if we can think of ways to humble ourselves and serve our priests during this time, they have given up everything to help our soul. The devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking whom he might devour. We the Church have many enemies in this culture already, we are all walking wounded in this spiritual battle for souls. We must fight without trying to devour each other. We need to stick to truth and build each other up for the battles ahead, the last thing we need is to injure those we are to fight along side.
Be Paul, not Saul.
Viva Christo Rey!
Sorry for the typos, I’m typing on a phone again. 🤣
Shackle Free 