A friend told me about some
liturgical abuses that happened at a mass she recently attended (at a high
profile parish to boot). She said the priest who presided the Eucharistic
celebration did not distribute Holy Communion; rather he had a layperson giving
Holy Communion in his place. Then, after mass, she asked the priest why he
didn’t distribute Holy Communion? He said he had to “wash the dishes” and that
the laity are to have a more active role. There are several abuses present
here: 1) The presider is to distribute Holy Communion, he is the primary
Eucharistic Minister. 2) Referring to the purification of the sacred vessels as
“washing the dishes” is completely disrespectful, and downright scandalous. 3)
The priest totally missed the boat on VCII’s call of a greater participation by
the faithful. These abuses are very upsetting; because they just flat out
shouldn’t happen. They are also very disturbing because this is not an isolated
incident. In the end, these abuses cause a strain on the faithful who love the liturgy,
and are not asking for anything more than the mass to be faithfully celebrated
as prescribed by Holy Mother Church.
Recently we celebrated the feast
of The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. The gospel reading (John 2:13-22) for
the feast was on Jesus' righteous anger displayed in the Temple due to
disrespect for the sacred space that is used for profit rather than prayer.
Christians, you must allow Jesus' actions to inspire you, as He is a model for
us in all things. When you see injustices going on in the Church by unfaithful
shepherds, do not accept them. When you see (and are subjected to) abuse going
on in the liturgy, do not accept them. When you hear unfaithful shepherds
spreading error, do not accept them.
Flare up with a fire of righteous
anger in union with Jesus, for love of His Church. Speak to the pastor, go to
the bishop if necessary. Challenge the errors and outright sacrileges going on
in the Lord's house. Be like the widow in the parable about the unjust judge
(see Luke 18:1-8). For as Christ says, “will not God vindicate his elect, who
cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will
vindicate them speedily” (Luke 18:7-8a). Therefore, be persistent, in a
charitable manner, as you call for faithfulness from your shepherds.
The Church is the Body of Christ;
people of God with Jesus as our head. The bishops and priests are sent to serve
the people of God, to serve you, as Christ’s representatives! Not to serve
themselves. The cleric is to be modeled after Jesus who, “did not come to be
served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew
28:28). Therefore, bishops and priests are not to push their teachings,
doctrines, ultimately their own vision of the Church based on their will. They
are to present the Church's teachings, doctrines, and God’s vision for the
Church according to His will... faithfully in its entirety.
It is the Father’s desire, and
therefore your God given right; to have bishops & priests 100% faithful to
Holy Mother Church. I would also suggest that it is a God given right to
worship in your home parish that is 100% faithful to Holy Mother Church, by
adhering to all the Church proposes regarding the governance and life of each
Catholic community. Do not settle for anything less than all Jesus desires for
you, which the Church is to give you, through Her shepherds who promised
faithful adherence to all the Church requires from Her ministers.
At his ordination, the one to be
ordained is asked by the bishop, “Are you
resolved to celebrate the mysteries of Christ faithfully and religiously as the
Church has handed them down to us for the glory of God and the sanctification
of God's people?” To which the one to be ordained replies, “I am.” This promise is made to God, to
the Church (all the baptised), and I would include this promise is made to all
of humanity as well; for the priest is to minister directly or indirectly to
every soul, so all may come to know and accept Jesus for eternal salvation.
God, and the Church, expects the priests to make good on their promise.
Now, it is a terrible thing, and
not to be taken lightly, when the ordained does not make good on the promises
he made. He is essentially sinning against God and humanity. In abusing the
liturgy or spreading errors; the bishop or priest is actually publicly sinning by breaking his
promises for all to see, which is scandalous. In doing this, he becomes a false
witness. Through his actions contrary to what the Church requires of him, he (be
it his intention or not) actively and flagrantly spreads contempt against Holy
Mother Church by disregarding his promises, and what the Church requires of
him.
With this reality unfolding in
The Church, one thing is sure; bishops & priests need prayers! Some become
discouraged and write-off their priests as hopeless heretics. Do not dismiss
them! Pray for the clergy, your shepherds, that we remain faithful to the
awesome task of serving the people of God. Pray that we remain faithful to our
promises. Sometimes it is a misplaced intention to do good. Sometimes it is
ignorance. Sometimes the ego gets in the way. Sometimes it is down right
disobedience and rebellion. Oftentimes bishops and priests face great battles
on many different fronts and on a daily basis! Should some of the clergy have
fallen away, fallen into error, fallen into unfaithfulness; pray hard for them.
At the same time, and this must be reiterated, do not accept anything except what
they have promised to do!
Finally, and above all, entrust your bishops and priests (we are ‘yours’ because Christ called us to
Holy Orders, and entrusted us with this sacred responsibility for your good. We
exist for ministering to you!) to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She will help
mold them after her Son's priestly Sacred Heart.
Mary, Queen of the Clergy; pray for us
Saint John Vianney, patron saint of priests; pray for us
Saint Michael the Archangel, defender of the Church; pray
for us
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