My last article prompted much reaction. And as the news continues to break, regarding further revelations of child abuse by priests, any Catholic will feel saddened and betrayed.
The case of Michael Steven Baker, who left the priesthood in 2000, after the Los Angeles Archdiocese paid a $1.3 million settlement in ONE of his abuse lawsuits, and who is now in the slammer on other charges, pours salt into the wound. Baker offered mass at my parish numerous times, and struck me as just a wee bit too bubbly and irreverent. He was making the rounds of the archdiocese, AFTER admitting his molestation activities to Cardinal Mahony in 1986. Our dear Cardinal transferred him to no fewer than nine different parishes. He underwent “treatment,” of course, but I guess it didn’t work.
As more details come out at the trials of Baker and others, the misdeeds of Mahony in covering things up will emerge with even greater clarity. The Catholic history of Los Angeles recounts the deeds of giants such as Blessed Fray Junipero Serra, Bishop Francisco Garcia Diego y Moreno, Bishop Joseph Sadoc Alemany, Bishop Thaddeus Amat, and Archbishop John J. Cantwell. Mahony will be remembered, but not fondly.
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things must come, but woe to the one through whom they come! (Matthew 18:6-7)
Indeed, he is working tirelessly at securing his place as the worst bishop in California, if not US, history.
But, enough. How are we to deal with these outrages, and, for that matter, the non-reaction of the very sickly Pope? It is easy enough, and a very human thing, to get caught up in the hierarchical aspects of the Church. After all, wouldn’t it be nice if we had strong leadership? It surely would, but this is by no means the first time in 2000 years that we have not.
Ultimately, the primary issue is your own salvation, rather than “saving” the Church or more precisely, Churchmen. It does you no good to be the most reformed Catholic in Hell. Thankfully, there are many means still in place to achieve your desired destiny, no matter how many Mahonys come along. Think of the current soap opera as a sideshow–an attractive nuisance put in place perhaps by Satanic forces–to distract you from your goal. Just recognizing this should make you stronger and more resolute. There’s your silver lining!
Many paleo-conservatives decry the ruination of the Conservative movement by the so-called neo-conservatives. Neo-cons are essentially liberals who would rather pay lower taxes. Typified by web dude Jonah Goldberg, most are not even as conservative as law and order liberals such as Michael Kelly.
But, in these days of forgotten heroes and revised standards, as go the neo-cons, so goes the Republican party. Worst among their many flaws, the neo-cons are unabashed cheerleaders for ever expanding immigration. So, we have the mainstream Republicans tilting ever leftward, and out-Democratting the Democrats on opening the borders. What’s a paleo-patriot to do?
First, recognize that no matter how bad things may get, the basic culture of this nation will never tolerate Euro-Commie style tax rates. For example, no rational politico in the US would even propose removing the deduction for mortgage interest–a tax break that now exists in only a handful of countries.
Next, realize that instead of trying to change America, you should concentrate on improving those things you CAN change, as they would affect you and your family. Think of the current soap opera as a sideshow–an attractive nuisance put in place perhaps by Satanic forces–to distract you from your earthly goals. Just recognizing this should make you stronger and more resolute. There’s your silver lining!