A family prays at a Philadelphia service held in response to the clerical sexual abuse scandal. Senior citizens can offer their “aches, pains, and inconveniences” in atonement for abuses, says a Burnaby writer. (CNS photo/Gina Christian, catholicphilly.com)
In light of Archbishop Miller’s call to the faithful of the Archdiocese for atonement for the sexual scandals within the Church, as an aging senior myself I invite all other aging seniors to offer the aches, pains, and inconveniences of their aging as atonement for these and other abuses within the Church.
Sadly, the spotlight presently is upon the scandals by some of the clergy. Let’s not overlook, however, that the “some” does not speak for the “multitude” of the clergy, religious brothers and sisters, and the laity who faithfully serve the people of God with virtuous lives and Christ-like dedication as true spiritual leaders within the Christian community.
In times of crises, too often condemnation comes down more heavily than does the voice of reasoned perspective, just as a small blemish on a large white background can attract more notice than the larger field of white.
Leo Matysicky
Burnaby
Why do people leave the Church because of the sex abuse scandals? The Church is not just a building or a religious institution. The Church is comprised of a group of faithful, true believers, followers of Jesus Christ who is its head.
We have a relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our worship and belief in God are not dependent upon whether a priest has good theological knowledge or delivers good homilies.
Jesus will never break his relationship with us, and we do not abandon our children when they are sick. Our children will always be part of our family regardless of how they come to us. This same love is the love that Jesus gives to all of us, the children of God.
To those who are frustrated, angry, and disappointed about the abuse scandal, you are not alone. Many of us feel the pain and shame since we are one family in Christ. This is the time, more than ever, for us to be united as one body of Christ to support the victims. Let us pray for their forgiveness and that they can recover and heal. I ask you not to give up your faith because of human mistakes. Your faith is always between you and God.
Please try not to label or condemn all priests. There are many good priests compared with the number who did wrong. True priests give their entire lives to serve God and us in good faith. We need to give them encouragement to do their duties as they are called to. Do not let the bad ones tarnish all the good work done by the faithful ones. Let those who did wrong and refused to face their misdeeds face God on the final judgment day.
If you think the Church as an organization is troubled, instead of abandoning it, let us contribute to the work of making it better. Let us pray without ceasing for God’s grace and mercy.
Francoise Tsang
Richmond