For the last few weeks I’ve been thinking about scandals in the Church. Jesus Christ Himself warned that scandals would come––but woe to those by whom they come. Judas will remain a shameful example of this. Unfortunately, there have been not a few scandals in the Church since Judas. In the last 10 years, several horribly evil cases of scandal committed by priests and even bishops have violently rocked the Church. Most of these cases of child and teen sex abuse were carried out by priests who had serious issues and highly questionable, unnatural motives from the very beginning: they seemingly intended to use the priesthood as a means to an evil end. Then there are other scandals that seem to make sense on a natural level, having to do with priests who break their vows of celibacy with women.

No matter what scandals may come, nobody’s faith should be shaken by so much that they would leave the Catholic Church because of scandals. Even if scandals are caused by priests who seem to be very holy in public and have contributed to the spiritual edification of countless souls––there is no reason to leave the Church because of scandals. It is very tragic and disturbing that such evils occur but there is no reason to completely despair. Catholics look to Jesus and to His Church in spite of the failings and falling of human beings. The Church has divine authority and human administration.

What great gifts we are given and how often do we waste them or take advantage of them, forgetting the Giver? I know that I need to pray for priests… I also need to pray for all humanity especially myself because it is possible for me to become a reprobate– I am weak and need all the help I can get.