Putting it to the test
Submitted by Ford Prefect on 2002-06-21 22:21:19, Friday
In reply to Right Living and Right Speaking (June 20) submitted by Ford Prefect on 2002-06-21 21:59:03, Friday
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Well, I've now been given the opportunity to put all I've ever posted here to the test. As a result of the recent "scandals" in the Catholic church (my church), some rather draconian remedies are being imposed by our diocese on the laity as well as the clergy. One of these remedies is a, to put it mildly, rather invasive "application" to be able to have anything to do with minors in the church. It contains one question that, if I answered truthfully, would disqualify me immediately. Therefore, I will have to give up the work I've been doing with the kids in our parish. I've also been informed that one rather influential speaker at a diocesan gathering to determine how to proceed equated hugging kids with fondling them. So now, I find out just how much I've really grown up in the past few years. Do I really believe I'm God's beloved son and that only His love is perfect and that it's all that I really need and should seek? Can I continue to see God in the brokeness of others and even in my beloved, but all too fallible church? At this point, I think the answer is yes. I pray that I will be given whatever is necessary to continue in that belief. I pray that I can be of service to a wounded body of Christ, rather than seek solace for the loss I feel for myself and for the kids I love so. I pray that I will be strengthened in my conviction that our God is a God of plenty and that new opportunities to be Jesus for others will keep coming my way and that I will accept them. Paraphrasing an old prayer recited during the Stations of the Cross: Help me to love you Jesus my love, with my whole heart. Help me to repent of ever having hurt you. Help me never to hurt you again. Grant that I may love you always, And then do with me as you will. ---Ford |
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