Late to class today because I had a terrible night. My husband had “minor” surgery on Fri. which turned out to be not so minor. He wound up in the ER and was subjected to a brutal procecure by a nurse who had no bedside manner and I don’t think knew what she was doing. The consulting doctor was not an MD and acted like he didn’t want anything to do with it. In addition, I have somehow damaged my eye and it’s all bloodshot and swollen. I am resisting going to the doctor because I have too much on my plate right now with a husband who keeps threatening to pull out all of the tubes and to sue everybody in sight.
To add insult to injury, church last night was a disaster. We dragged ourselves to the last Mass of the day and nearly walked out. (if either of us could walk) Our young assistant pastor (a year out of seminary) starts out the homily by announcing that he’d had a meeting with our pastor (who is conveniently on vacation). They wanted to present a “unified” message on the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage. The written message of the week in the bulletin was on the Pope’s “elegant” encyclical on the envirionment. Gay marriage was to be addressed orally.
The young curaate went on to say that 1/3 of the congregation will say “follow the rules with no changes”. 1/3 of the congregation will welcome the advent of gay marriage and will say, “society changes”, and 1/3 of the congregation doesn’t care either way! SO, his advice is to reach deep in our hearts when we offer the “sign of Peace” to our neighbor because we have no idea whether that person has ever been insulted, or felt excluded, by someone.
Needless to say,I was livid. If Either my husband, or I could have walked very well, we would have walked out right then.
Afterwards, my husband (who is hard of hearing) commented to Fr. Justin that he hadn’t heard clearly what he said: “What was your point?” he asked.
Fr. Justin brushed him off and said, “I’m just trying to keep people in the pews.”
I submit that his attitude (and we’ve heard NOTHING from the Bishop yet) is going to DRIVE people from the pews.
I am working up to a strong letter to both of them before I change congregations.
Don’t tell me to “rejoice because I am persecuted”. I’m just livid. Think about all of the grief the Catholic church has put parishioners through over marriage over the centuries. Now, they’re going to change it?
/off soapbox
Not to mention that your young priest didn’t feel anyone in the congregation would have firm beliefs against gay marriage - he said 1/3 would say change happens, 1/3 would be thrilled, and 1/3 wouldn’t care either way. Maybe he doesn’t understand fractions? ;^)
God’s truth does not change and it has to be taught. Sounds like they want to avoid it.
I’m sorry you have had such a rough time of it lately. I hope things improve.