In my recent three-part article concerning the subject of moral relativism pervading modern culture and introducing itself into the Church, sometimes at the highest levels of authority, I touched upon the resulting scandal it occasions.
A reader asked me to share the Church's teaching with regard to scandal in greater depth.
In recent years, various secular as well as religious scandals have captured the headlines. Sadly, we are becoming so used to the salacious reporting of human weakness and corruption that we are increasingly de-sensitized to the actual harm being inflicted upon so many victims by such behavior.
It seems that little shocks our sensibilities anymore these days.
The secular media seem to use the word "scandal" to refer to shameful acts which are done secretly but which later become public. In the process, the scandalous behavior becomes highly marketable and its perpetrators become instant celebrities. The focus is on the person and his or her external actions.
Sacred Scripture and traditional Catholic teaching, on the other hand, understand "scandal" to be an action or pattern of behavior which induces another person to do evil and commit sin. The focus of the religious attention to scandal is on the individual souls affected by the sinful behavior of others.
In the New Testament, it is quite clear that Jesus is impatient with and intolerant of people who give scandal, especially to the young and innocent among us.
Assuredly, we should be mindful of our speech, our dress, our attitudes and the criticism of others we offer for fear of giving scandal in the process. Just being aware that what we say or do can lead another person into sin might help us refrain from the use of certain language or engaging in certain actions.
And yet, something needs to be said about taking scandal as well. Some folks who see another's weakness and failings are rightfully scandalized. But, then they go on and use the failing as an opportunity to render judgment or affirm their own pre-conceived biases and bigotries.
Just in our time, so many were hurt and offended by the scandal of the sexual abuse of minors by our own Catholic clergy. And yet, some took that opportunity to attack the Catholic Faith itself, the Priesthood and the hierarchy. Sadly, even some Catholics used this awful moment to justify their personal lack of commitment and support of the Church in their own lives.
Perhaps, the right response to the witnessing of scandal is to be offended and to give voice to that offense while, at the same time, asking the Lord to forgive and strengthen the weakness of the one who has failed. We are all sinners and need the Grace and forgiveness of Jesus as well as the compassionate pardon of fellow sinners.
One final thought about scandal needs to be expressed.
It is clear that Jesus Himself was the source of scandal during His earthly ministry: associating with sinners, the lame, the blind, lepers. He offered all these comfort and the forgiveness of their sins. In doing so, he offended those whose hearts were hardened by their own lack of love and forgiveness.
And so, when we think about scandal, let us remember this: to the hateful and sinful, a good action, even a loving action, can be a source of scandal. The Church refers to this as "false" or "Pharisaical" scandal.
In this context, the followers of Jesus have been scandalizing a broken world for thousands of years.
Let us be cautious, then, to be sure that we are not claiming to be scandalized because someone else's good actions have challenged our own sinfulness and pride.
May the Lord bless all those who are willing to do good, even at the risk of offending the wicked and the evil in this world.
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