Looks Like I did a critique of Michael Voris' Victim Spirituality a couple of years ago... Redux

Just my personal opinion file. Originally posted: 9/27/10
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First of all, I am not qualified to determine who is or who is not a victim soul, or to express anything but a personal opinion on victim spirituality.  This whole concept came up because of the Michael Voris video on the subject of homosexuals.
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Let me just say I believe in the Catholic mystical theology regarding victim souls and victim spirituality.  The priest as victim with Christ and specially chosen souls who share mystically in the sufferings of Christ in his passion, and so on.  I recognize it is an extraordinary grace, yet commonly aspired to by devout souls, especially in the sense of the 'little way of St. Therese' wherein the offering of victim is to merciful love as opposed to Divine justice.  So I get the spirituality.
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My difficulty is with the terminology.
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My problem with the terminology as applied to homosexuals seeking to live in conformity to Church teaching and striving for holiness is that it seems inappropriate, especially in light of the sexual proclivities and fetishes associated with some segments of gay culture.  Whenever one discusses this stuff one gets all sorts of reactions, most tiring amongst them is "not everyone is like that", or, 'there you go again, always generalizing'.  Gay people have issues folks - big sensitivity issues - let me tell you.  Obviously some of them want to be 'victims' - and not in a good way Karen Walker.  Like I said - I'm not qualified to speak to the theology of the issue, but I doubt a simple layman with a S.T.B. is the most qualified person either.   These matters are between the soul and Christ and the spiritual director or confessor - who in that context should have the particular charism to discern these matters.  Speaking of these spiritual intimacies publicly is like casting pearls before swine.  Mystical theology is difficult territory even for the S.T.M's, S.T.D.'s and S.T.L's.
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Why?
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Having said that, I'll list my reasons for insisting the use of the term 'victim soul' as applied to homosexual persons seeking a life of sanctity in the Church is inappropriate.  (Only my opinion BTW.)
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No more drama.  "Just Jack!"  Many gay people have issues - oops!  I mentioned that already.  The 'it's all about me thing' is a form of narcissism of course.  The whining and complaining and 'poor me' thing is very much part of gay life - in some sense - no matter how many freedoms are accorded that segment of society, there is always more rights they need.  I know - that's not a PC thing to say. 
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The wrong focus.  As stated in another post, I think it is the wrong focus for people with SSA insofar that there is already a tendency towards self-pity and singularity associated with the homosexual inclination that could be exaggerated by imagining oneself to be some sort of 'special' victim.  It could be a way of unconsciously holding onto a gay identity, or cultivating a gay spirituality - and that is in error.
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"My daddy used to spank me will you take his place?"  I think there is danger a S/M fantasy could likewise be unconsciously indulged.  I once did a post on how most of the gay priests and religious I've known were into discipline and bondage - you see how that could transfer over to this type of spirituality?  You don't?  I do.  So even from the Roman Catholic ascetical/mystical theology perspective I think it's not a good term for SSA people. As I said to another commenter, the role of 'Camille' can be very seductive... think of how attractive to gay men images of St. Sebastian in bondage can be.  The other factor here is the negative connotation the term victim has in general popular culture.
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Singularity.  I've also met so-called victim souls - they were easily deluded and painful to be around.  If anyone tells you they are a victim soul - unless you are their spiritual director, but maybe even then - I'd say 'watch out'.  My point is that these are intimate matters between the soul and Christ, and anything that goes beyond the ordinary offering of oneself over and above the morning offering, or consecration to the Sacred Heart, or in the manner of St. Therese's offering to Merciful Love, or spiritual exercises on that order, must be subject to the discernment of proper spiritual directors.  It seems to me people just can't appropriate such titles to themselves and others without falling prey to illusion and frequently, exaggerated piety.  That is not to say souls are not called to be victims. 
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Common mystic prayer.
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Nevertheless, I believe the ordinary way  of common mysticism is the best and safest way.  I'm personally fond of the following direction from The Life and Message of Sister Mary of the Holy Trinity regarding victim spirituality: 
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Words of Our Lord:  363.  "I desire an army of apostolic souls consecrated to me by the vow of victim, not to expiate the sins of others by extraordinary trials;  but to choose the methods I chose:  Silence, immolation, radiating the triumph of the life of the Spirit...  I desire an army of souls..."
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366.  I ask four things:  
1)  To listen to me more than speak to me.
2)  To strive to reproduce my actions - my way of acting rather than words.
3)  To be before men as they are before God in a state of poverty that begs - not in a state of spiritual wealth that gives alms of its superfluity.
4)  To confine their efforts to spreading my spirit, my gentleness, and my kindness which does not dwell on evil, but overcomes evil by good.  By being exacting with no one but themselves, they will help souls by their silence and their respect, to receive the graces which their fidelity and their sacrifices will obtain from God.
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457.  "The state of victim is to bear without defending oneself, as I did in my Passion, insults, slander, mockery, brutality - to allow oneself to be stripped...  For more on S. Mary click here.
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The ordinary, little way...
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You see, this type of hidden 'victim' spirituality is very Eucharistic: silent, loving, ordinary - forgetting self - not focusing upon self or one's state, humbly uniting oneself to Christ's silent loving action in the Eucharist.
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My apologies to anyone offended by my flippancy regarding this subject - I hope this takes care of my side of the discussion and that you understand I am no authority and I am only expressing my opinion based upon a certain degree of experience.

Who knew I already wrote on this?  Patrick and Thom - thanks guys.