Begging the indulgence of Scripture scholars, I would like to begin this post referencing the famous Sixth Chapter of the Gospel of St. John in which Jesus teaches that He is the Bread of Life, that whoever eats the flesh of the Son of Man and drinks His Blood will live forever, and unless one eats His Flesh and drinks His Blood, that person has no life in him.
When the His disciples heard these words and the grumbling of the Jews in response, they said to Jesus: “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
And many disciple left the Lord. But the Twelve remained, prompting Jesus to ask whether they wished to stay.
And Peter answered: ““Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
That response from impetuous, angry, distraught and often confused Peter sums it up for me when it comes to the Church.
Certainly, the Church these days has not shown its angelic face to the world. While Divinely instituted, the Body of Christ is composed of frail, fickle and sinful members, not the least of whom actually man the helm of the Barque of Peter.
No, scandal and embarrassment have ruled the day in the stories of Prelates of presumed virtue living lives far removed from the counsels of the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church.
The once-virginal and serene face of Holy Mother the Church now is seen with all her blemishes. The Church now seems more human in its failings than Divine in her mission.
Many have left and many are tempted to leave in frustration, or anger or disappointment and disillusionment.
It is difficult to profess fidelity to the Church these days, to wear the Roman Collar and still speak the truths of the Gospel and the age-old wisdom of Church Fathers.
It is tempting to given in to the pessimism which introduces doubt in the validity and value of the Church as the point of contact between Heaven and earth.
But, I always return to the place where Peter found Himself when many of the Lord’s disciples left Him in disillusionment and disappointment.
“Lord, where shall we go? Your Church has the Word of Life and I believe and I trust that Your Spirit guides the Church and will never abandon the Body of Christ.”
That Profession of Faith I have made at earlier times in my life. It seems that when I spoke the sentiments of those words, it was easier because the Church still seemed inviolable and removed from the corruption of this world.
That Profession of Faith seems to cost more these days, more of my personal pride, more of my personal convictions, more of my preconceived and immature notions that the Church is somehow immune to the foibles of the broken and wounded human souls who are its followers.
Still, I love the Church even as I confess that she is much in need of absolution and renewal.
Like the couple who have been committed in Marriage most of their lives, as infirmity or sickness robs them of the vitality of the love they shared in their youth, when their bodies are no longer lithe and limber, when it is a feat to stand up or walk without pain, yet their love remains unaffected by the challenges, perhaps even more profound because of them.
So is my love of the Church and, I pray, so may yours be.
I do not speak of the Church’s failure’s to demean our faith.
I speak of them to challenge our faith: if we are not committed and faithful to the Body of Christ in these times of wickedness and shame, then our commitment in the good times may be shallow indeed.
Let us never be afraid to admit our failings as a Church, awful and terrible as they may be. Let us confess them, own them, express our sorrow and regret, apologize and seek to restore what we have damaged. That is the right and blessed thing to do.
And let us never be afraid to continue to profess that the Church is and always will be the continuing presence of the Lord Jesus on this earth, offering the Words and the means to Eternal Life.
God bless our Church. Come, Holy Spirit, renew the face of Your Church and kindle within us the fire of Your Love.
No comments:
Post a Comment