29/01/2022

The Lords's words about the sign of Jonah are again put into question as the calming of the storm is immediately taken by the Jews in the boat with him as a sign to be wondered at. The sin of David is  shocking as it is so much against his previous fervour and deeds.

It is very human and all those with a power over others have to avoid the temptation to manipulate situations to benefit themselves. Our Church is not immune from these temptations which are not limited to the hierarchy only.

Simple Parish Priests can be captivated by the bright of a child's eyes and have to fight against the temptations this can bring. Collection money can easily be used to feed an illicit habit. Wrongdoing can be masked and countered by flattering a coitery of supporters.

As a parishioner I must never join those who warn "Don't let your boys on the altar".I must  report suspected criminal behaviour by a priest to the civil authorities for investigation. Covering up ill doing by clergy is a yeast that spreads throughout the whole dough. What can we do when we see incorrect cannonical behaviour that  is not criminal. Our Lord tells us that before we bring our gift to the altar we must reproach our sinful brother and then follow God's example by forgiving as he did with David.

Dear Lord may you be with me always and let the love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with me so that  I might live this day without sin and let me not be weakened by concern about your sinfull priests but let them know the protection of your blessed mother and all the saints.