I've been trying to get back to writing, but I never do, save for blurbs on Facebook which I inevitably remove. The blog here requires too much time - so I tell myself.
I've let lots of commentary slip away, pretty much simply observing what goes on and reading differing opinions to somehow get to the truth of things - or the reality behind the theories and hearsay. It's kind of amazing how easy it is to just let controversie come and go, without any need to comment. Watching while several inch closer and closer to virtual schism upon schism. Most recently, a monastery of Discalced nuns transferred all their assets to a lay board of directors (how Teresian), jumped ship and signed on with the SSPX. Most likely thanks to Vigano fear mongering about Cor Orans and 'supression' of the Latin Mass. Awesomely misguided.
Although, I dare to say attitudes like that exist in my archdiocese - I'm sure. Especially since my support for Pope Francis and his reforms is so well known, not a few of my friends have suddenly gone silent and I've no contact with those I corresponded with on a regular basis, via phone or email. The religious among them have definitely stepped away, one or two making sarcastic comments about the blog. Though subtle, it was enough to discourage my continuing to document my experiences and observations - which is always a good way for me to sort things out - writing helps me think - or know what I think. One fellow implied I was attempting spiritual direction here. That has never been my intent.
I expect my criticism over the years may have hit home with a few. One priest, also a client told me he liked what I wrote but told me I was wrong about a few things - I have no doubt I misspoke on many occasions. Sadly, he never told me what I was wrong about. I know I've always had strong opinions on start-up religious orders and their peculiarities, as well as my agreement with the Pope on the need for oversight and accountability, so I try not to discuss those things publicly anylonger, hence my neglect of the blog.
I do want to say that it seems to me the so-called crisis in the Church, especially as it concerns Vatican II, the Liturgical reforms and the renewal of religious life, reminds me of Job's trial of faith. Last week the first readings at Mass were from the Book of Job. It seems to me those critics of the Pope, especially his bishops and priests, are not only acting like Job's friends, but in the meantime, they/we are missing an opportunity to follow the example of Job, when he was afflicted and everything was taken from him. How do we not see the Lord's hand in all of this? It is His Church after all.
Is there any faith left on earth?
I know that you can do all things,*
and that no purpose of yours can be hindered.
“Who is this who obscures counsel with ignorance?”
I have spoken but did not understand;
things too marvelous for me, which I did not know.a
“Listen, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you tell me the answers.”
By hearsay I had heard of you,
but now my eye has seen you.*
Therefore I disown what I have said,
and repent in dust and ashes. - Job 42
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