In the early 1960s, in the small Spanish village of Garabandal, the Virgin Mary appeared to four young girls. Despite many arguments in favor of the authenticity of the event, including stories of miracles that were proven, the Vatican did not officially recognize the apparitions. However, they also did not deny that these were supernatural events. Why?
Weighty words
The girls claimed that Mary delivered a message stating that there are priests, even cardinals, who are not leading the faithful in the right direction. If the Catholic Church declares this as a true message from Mary, then it would be a terrible indictment of its own leaders. But this indictment would also apply to us, the faithful. How?
The Church environment
Every priest grows up in the environment that we, the faithful, create. Throughout their priestly lives, they receive feedback from us. Therefore, I believe that the responsibility of the faithful also lies in the kind of priests we have. Priests can earn respect personally, but they also deserve respect simply due to their consecrated status, because of their connection with God. It is painful to see that many priests themselves are not convinced of this.
The Church courting the world
It is not my own thought, but it is important to note that in the past 30-60 years, the Church has been courting the world. It wants the masses of people in Europe to return to it, and it communicates in a way to win them over. One extreme of this is when a church service turns into a theatrical performance, with many people having roles. Another misleading act is when social gatherings replace the solemnity of the Mass or worship service.
Once I listened to an American Catholic radio show where a nun answered questions live from the internet. One question was a complaint. Someone talked about being a Protestant but wanting to become Catholic, so they started attending Catholic Mass, but no one talks to them before or after the service. The priest doesn’t greet them at the door, and doesn’t say goodbye as they leave. The nun responded that it is painful when a new believer is not even approached, but Mass is not a communal experience, but rather something we do for God. Did Jesus rejoice hearing this answer?
Jesus and the priests
What the Redeemer said deeply applies to priests, “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” (John 15:16). Jesus knows who and why He chooses. If they sin, think about how much we, the faithful, sin. But also remember that God’s justice will not be absent. It is not our job to administer justice, but we cannot be deaf and blind, we can have an opinion, which we can express after thorough consideration. Trust! Jesus has overcome the world. (cf. John 16:33)
Rákóczi Piroska
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