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"You who pass by ..." - 1 Lamentation 1:12
There was some debate on Facebook concerning the recent news from the Madison Diocese, reiterating guidelines for Christian Burial when it involves manifest public sinners. People who read this blog know what that's all about, if you don't, not to worry - it doesn't affect you. I wrote about it this past week and readers know I'm fine with it.
That said, a Catholic man online was distressed by the instruction. Other gay Catholics felt singled out as well. The man I'm thinking of chose another church to attend because he felt alienated as a gay man. One of his readers responded with a comment saying, 'They hate us.' In other words, she was saying the Church hates gay people. We all know that is the perception. We all know that people who speak out against that notion, that impression, are frequently labeled 'homosexualists' and the response to them is hostile because they're perceived as hostile to Catholic teaching, and all that stuff.
The scorn and derision shown to those people who have difficulty understanding Catholic teaching, by some priests and laity, is very hurtful. Especially for people who have struggled with issues of sexuality, identity, and friendship for much of their life. We are all wounded people - straight or gay. I grew up in a rather abusive family so I learned early on not to expect much from others, and to be grateful for small kindnesses. Not everyone is able to do that. Especially people who have expected some form of understanding and sympathy as they struggle to accept and assimilate Catholic teaching in the face of outright contempt.
I may be wrong, but I think the insensitivity of some clergy, not to mention their vindictive, sometimes hostile defense of Catholic teaching - in your face correction - is far from the Catholic standard of 'truth in charity'.
If we are indeed out to save souls, we ought to endure patiently and kindly with the opposition of those we deem 'manifest sinners' - Christ did that.
Psalm 132 comes to mind, 'Remember David and all the hardships he endured ...' which reminds me of how the king took no offense at the curses uttered by Shimei, and told his guards to leave him alone and let him curse.
So why do we attack those who are already hurt? Some may be more damaged than we can know.
How is the Christian supposed to treat his enemies?
The Good Samaritan made sure the man left for dead was treated with kindness and care, with great dignity.
We seem to have entered a new critical period of history. Destroy your enemy at any cost. The "good" Samaritan is to some today a liberal bleeding heart weakling. The Prodigal Son a degenerate who should be cast out. The woman adulteress an evil being. And so on. Hate is rampant. It is self consuming. I am reminded for some reason of Billy Pilgrims favorite summation from The book SlaughterHouse Five. "And so it goes."
ReplyDeleteIt would be helpful if priests explained WHY the Church teaches what she does during their homilies in regard to her stance on homosexuality. Well, that's true about any topic or belief, I suppose. This morning our priest stated that "the man is the head of the family" and I could literally hear eyes rolling in the pews. I know he meant spiritual head and I get that but we need to know WHY things are the way they are.
ReplyDelete"If we are indeed out to save souls, we ought to endure patiently and kindly with the opposition of those we deem 'manifest sinners' - Christ did that."
ReplyDeleteI like that reminder, Terry. I spent some hours with a nephew of mine and his friends in Chicago a couple of months ago. I've met liberals before, but never anyone so married to a particular ideology as one of his friends. Her bombastic response to why I thought abortion was wrong (and any number of other topics discussed that day) was something I was not prepared for. Spirited discussion I was ready for. Downright hateful mud-flinging and condescending incredulity, not so much. At one point I had to tell my nephew to just end the conversation full-stop because I couldn't take it anymore. And for 2 months I've been simmering in sadness and feeling like I've been covered in mud from the experience. I've had nothing good to say about that person. Shame on me. Because how have I now perpetuated the conservative disdain for meeting someone like that?