A defining moment

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you (Lk 6:27-28). The gospel passage that we have just heard describes a defining moment in the ministry of Jesus and in the lives of his disciples.  There were a few such moments during the time that the disciples shared with Jesus when he described a way of life that was – and still is – very different from the life that his followers had been used to living until then.  Ever since that moment, those who have followed in his footsteps have been trying to put those words into practice ... including us.

This week, there is a special Meeting taking place in Rome, one that has drawn the attention of many in our country and indeed around the world.  At the very beginning of their meeting, Pope Francis set the tone:  In the light of the scourge of sexual abuse perpetrated by ecclesiastics to the great harm of minors, I wanted to consult with you, Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops and Religious Superiors and Leaders, so that together we might listen to the Holy Spirit and, in docility to his guidance, hear the cry of the little ones who plead for justice (Pope Francis, Introductory Remarks, 21 February 2019).

In various parts of the world, Bishops and other Leaders in the Church have been listening to the cries of the little ones – children, teenagers and adults – who have been crying out for justice, but unfortunately, too many of these voices have been ignored.  Not any more!  This is a defining moment in the history of the Church.  For far too long, we have not wanted to stand face to face with the truth that innocent people have suffered unspeakable harm and the result is that the reputation of the Church and of her members has suffered and continues to suffer.  Many of those who once placed great trust in us have turned away because when they needed us, we too turned our backs.  Not any more!

From a human point of view, it does not seem natural for us to want to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to bless those who curse us or to pray for those who abuse us, but these are precisely the attitudes that have defined Jesus’ disciples throughout the centuries.  He never wanted us to be like everyone else.  He wanted us to set an example so that others would see a different way.

On Wednesday of this week, prior to the beginning of the Meeting in Rome, the members of the Organizing committee met with 12 people who have suffered abuse – men and women from different parts of the world, who wanted to share their stories.  In addition, each of the participants who is present for these Meetings has brought stories of others who have also suffered. 

Skeptics would have us believe that nothing will come of the meetings that are taking place in Rome this week, but the gospel by which we live challenges us to show the world that this is indeed a defining moment in the life of the Church.  The holy people of God are watching, and we must all pray that this Meeting in Rome will result not in simple and predictable condemnations, but concrete and effective measures to be undertaken.