Posted on 04/01/2015 7:50:45 AM PDT by Salvation
Wednesday of Holy Week is traditionally called “Spy Wednesday,” since it was on this day that Judas conspired with the Temple leadership to hand Jesus over. He would not accomplish his task until the evening of the next day, but this day he made the arrangements and was paid.
One way to reflect on this terrible sin is to consider that Judas was among the first priests called by Jesus. We see in the call of the Apostles the establishment of the ministerial priesthood. Jesus called these men to lead His Church and minister in His name. But one of these priests went wrong, terribly wrong, and turned against the very one he should have proclaimed.
We also see great weaknesses among the other “first priests.” Peter denied Jesus, though he later repented. All the others except John deserted Jesus at the time of His Passion. Yes, I am sad to say, only one priest, one bishop made it to the foot of the Cross. All the rest fled in fear. And so here we see the “sins of the clergy” made manifest. Christ did not call perfect men. He promised to protect His Church from officially teaching error but this does not mean that there is no sin in the Church, nor that those who are called to lead are without sin. The story of Judas shows that even among those who were called, one went terribly wrong.
In recent years there has been much focus on the sins of Catholic priests who went terribly wrong and sexually abused the young. The vast majority of priests have never done such things, but those who did so inflicted great harm.
There are other sins of the clergy that have nothing to do with sexuality but that also may have caused great harm. Maybe it was an insensitive remark. Perhaps it was a failure to respond at a critical moment such as a hospital visit. And how many of you have lamented deeply the scandal of silent pulpits, the silence of so many clergy in the face of a moral meltdown? Whatever it might be that has harmed or alienated you, please don’t give up on God or on the Church. If a priest or a Church leader has caused you grief please know that there are other priests, deacons, and lay leaders who stand ready to hear your concerns and offer healing. Let the healing begin. Ask among your Catholic family and friends for recommendations about helpful and sensitive priests or Church leaders who can listen to your concerns, address them where possible, and offer another opportunity for the Church to reach out to you with love.
On this “Spy Wednesday” pray especially for priests. We carry the treasure of our priesthood in earthen vessels; as human beings we struggle with our own issues. We have many good days, but some less-than-stellar moments, too. The vast majority of priests, though sinners, are good men who strive to do their very best. But some among us have sinned greatly and, like Judas, caused harm to the Body of Christ. Some of us may have caused harm to you. Please accept this invitation to begin anew.
If you have stayed away because of some hurt caused by any leader of the Church, strive on this “Spy Wednesday” to still seek Christ where He is found. He is among sinners and saints, in the Church He founded. The Church is perfect in her beauty as the Bride of Christ, but consists of members who are still “on the way” to holiness.
After all my verbiage, here is a music video that presents this message better than I ever could. If you have ever known someone who has been hurt, or been hurt yourself, allow this powerful video to move you.
Me doth think you protest to much! To paraphrase Shakespeare. BTW he was an English playwright and that was from Hamlet, one of his more famous works written in 1602.
One note Johnny strikes again.
I would hope that Judas would have somehow made it; but the FACTS are that we just do not know from Scripture his spiritual condition at death.
We DO know that Jesus said if your eye or hand causses you to sin; cut it off.
What if your whole body causes you to sin?
In the New Testament ekklesia of Christ there is only one High Priest who is Jesus Christ the royal priesthood of all born again believers.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light
There is no other office of priesthood within the New Testament ekklesia.
It was most definitely called for.
I also call a spade a spade.
Like Jesus did with the Pharisees?
Hey! It’s the anti Christ who will set himself up as God in the temple.
I guess I should at least scan by pings before I respond ey?
I'm sure you do.
🎵
Ah... that's a tricky one. That (along with everything else) is up to God. I'll tell them I believe they are wrong, just as I'll tell you I believe you are wrong; but I'm not their judge... I'm not even on the jury.
I believe the Catholic Church is the ordinary vehicle of Salvation because I believe Our Lord ordained it so. I am fearful for all outside of her but not totally without hope. If one is truly attached to Christ then in some way there must be an attachment to His Church, even if it's unknown.
I think more accurately here at FRRF, it is "get off the tracks 'cause a freight train is a comin." :)
Now you are calling Catholics Pharisees and saying you are Jesus. Uh huh.
Don’t Catholics think we should be more like Jesus?
Maybe it would be better to do that to a Muslim extremist. They need conversion badly. I'm sure they'd love to wade through all that fodder we Catholics get thrown at us.
Quite different from thinking we ARE Him.
Here's my original comment.
"Like Jesus did with the Pharisees".
Notice the like in there?
Do they post here? Let me know if you see one and I'll do just that.
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