These are the times that try men's souls . . . yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly.These words by Thomas Paine, written during the early period of the American Revolution in 1776, though referring to a political tyranny, are quite applicable to our current spiritual tyranny. The tyranny of worldliness is upon us; it has infected even the highest levels of the Catholic Church, and the root of it is infidelity. Infidelity in sexual morals is obvious, but that infidelity is only a symptom of infidelity to the vows of holy orders.
The recent document released by Archbishop Vigano appears to be fully valid and there is nothing about it that gives us cause to doubt what he claims. The (so-called) response by Pope Francis is virtually an admission of guilt (I tried to find something else in his words, but was unable to). I had to read the subtitles of his talk on the plane from Ireland but the words and his mannerisms are very revealing. Sad.
I truly wish there were something else to talk about right now, but this is flooding our thoughts and I want to encourage my parishioners to faithfulness and perseverance in these times. I actually waited a few days to comment on the most recent events in hopes that we would hear something clear and definitive from the Holy Father; either an admission of guilt, or a clear statement that Vigano was in error. Neither has come; so what do we do now?
Confession is a private matter, and it may be possible (if Francis is indeed guilty of one of the worst cover-ups in this entire scandal) that the Pope has already gone to confession for these things. Yet, given his place as the Vicar of Christ and head of the Church, we must know his penitence. The only proper thing to do, if he is actually guilty, is to step down and to call for all other Bishops who are complicit in this to step down as well; to remove themselves from public ministry and retire to a life of prayer and penance. That is the humble and pastoral thing to do; that would be an act of mercy toward the world (regardless of one's personal interests).
As the quote said above, however, if we obtain things in too cheap a manner, then we will not esteem them rightly. We all (guilty, or not guilty) must acknowledge that these difficult times that "try our souls" are also the times that strengthen us in the end if we will but persevere. So then what do we do if Pope Francis is guilty and he steps down? We persevere. What do we do if Pope Francis is guilty and refuses to step down (which would inevitably cause a massive schism and possibly competing "Popes")? We persevere. What do we do if he is not guilty and yet people assume he is (which could also lead to a schism)? We persevere. Are you seeing the direction that this is going?
As the quote above also said, the harder the conflict, the greater the glory. What can God do in the midst of this? Here are a few things that I see possibly coming from this current state of affairs:
1) We could have a new Pope elected who will remove those who resist the faith and who promote immorality.Yes, I know that last one is yucky. I know it is not very encouraging, but it all depends on the overall faithfulness of the people of God, both clergy and laity. Will we be a penitent people who persevere in good times and bad? Will we see that these difficulties can lead to great blessings? Will we stand firm and tell the impenitent that this is Christ's Church and not the devil's coven? These are the times that try men's souls, and these are the times that develop great Saints!
2) The Catholic Church could get significantly smaller, but also stronger.
3) The laity could learn not to be complacent, and to seek deeper dedication to Christ.
4) The Church could return to many of the traditions she has forgotten, and learn to apply the teachings of Vatican II in a way that is consistent with the past.
5) Although many marriages and families will crumble under these trials, many will be strengthened because they will unite in their efforts to holiness.
6) The end result will go one of two ways: either God will grant a time of relative peace that will be comparable to the middle ages, or the world will be enraged and we will experience a time of persecution throughout the world like there has not been for a long time.
