Let's get really realistic about Vanier.

May he find mercy in abundance through the blood of Christ, 

may the good he did be credited to him, by the merits of Christ crucified,

and by the power of His resurrection, may he rest in peace.

So what level of depravity were you looking for?

Many people online are starting to call out those of us who are disturbed by the Jean Vanier investigations revealing sexual abuse of adult women who worked along side him in l'Arche. Fr. Longenecker* says we need to be more realistic about those we put on pedestals and admire, noting they are human beings with weaknesses, just like us. Indeed.

A friend posted a quote on my site along the same lines as Fr. L's admonitions. He posted:

"If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?" - Solzhenitsyn

It is a quote that is very true, very philosophical, albeit a tad dismissive in this context. These discoveries of another's 'sin' reveal the mystery of our being, our fallen human nature. In fact, after the initial shock of the stories, I for my part, am able to examine my own conscience and find examples of duplicity and hypocrisy. It reminds me of my own need for continual conversion and the forgiveness of my many sins.

This post isn't a 'yes but' deflection, nevertheless the disturbing aspect of the Vanier story, viewed alongside the case of his spiritual father, P. Thomas Philippe, as well as his brother, P. Dominique Philippe, is there was a 'method' to their abuse. The grooming involved, their presentation of a 'new' form of spiritual direction and mystical experience, involving/using sexual touch and acts, presented to the victim as a means to find healing, and to grow spiritually and find union with Christ and Our Lady.

Delusion.

The abuse is so deliberate, so manipulative as to propose a sort of theology of abuse. This 'program' negates the idea that the sexual abuse perpetrated by the 'directors' was simply a fall from grace, or a weakness which trips up a 'wounded healer' otherwise trying to live chastely. This is exactly why such actions are seen as criminal, not just a moral failing. It is not simply human weakness or an act of desperation from a person 'addicted' to sex - it's intrinsically evil. It's not at all normal.

After one acknowledges that, as well as genuine concern for the victims, perhaps then, one can say - without being dismissive - 'there but for the grace of God, go I.'

*If we therefore, have this realistic understanding of human nature we will not be so disappointed, outraged and indignant when we hear that Jean Vanier was a sinner. We will not be so angry and dismayed by the scandal and heartbreak of abusive, corrupt and immoral pastors and priests. We will not be surprised because we were realistic about human nature from the beginning. - Longenecker

Beware of spiritual directors

and exorcists who are

a little bit too

realistic about human nature

and sexuality.