So Where Did THAT Come From?
I figured I had better give a little insight into what I was saying in the post from this morning. Or maybe what motivated it, since there were questions.
Last night was the first time I saw my Confirmation class since Covid 19 hit. I spent an hour and a half trying to express what being Catholic was all about. We discussed the world we live in through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. We talked about the Creed and how it affirms and unifies us as Christians. We talked about how being Catholic means not just being called to prayer but being called to action. We talked about how the rhythm of our beautiful faith is about our relationship with everything around us. We talked about what it means to be apostolic and why it matters. We are ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC and APOSTOLIC, at least that is what we are suppose to be.
So why is it that we are in such a state of turmoil? Why is it that even though CST is a pillar of the church there are so many in the hierarchy who would prefer we not address this?
Generally, I could care less about the actual overarching institution, my desire to serve comes from a deep desire to be useful in the world and an even deeper love of Jesus Christ. But there are currently too many in the hierarchy who are actively doing damage to that mission. We have Cardinals cow-towing to a fascist. We have an administration full of Catholics who are really into the idea of holy war, or so it appears. We have Bishops and Cardinals trying desperately to undermine Pope Francis because he is challenging them to be better. He has the temerity to think his vision deserves their vowed obedience.
YET….
YET…. They speak of evangelization as though it is a priority. I am not convinced and here is why.
Last night I came home and logged into my Twitter account. I engage with a lot of other people in Catholic ministry. One of them is Michael, a writer who was also the Director of Evangelization at a large Chicago parish. Now, his credentials speak for themselves and his online persona is an important part of his ministry because of the conversations that need to be had. But he is challenging, (he is young and full of energy and idealism and kinda brilliant so that can be intimidating). He ministers and reaches out to all communities, but really advocates for those on the margins. For some people, this means he is a threat. Probably his most bold move was to challenge the church publicly on it’s own positions vs. it’s implementations. Things like, just wage, equality, disparity, and the habit of talking out of both sides of it’s mouth. In many ways, he is the ideal face for the Director of Evangelization. His honesty and forthrightness draw people in. Unless of course, you are part of the group being challenged.
Yesterday, he was terminated. He shared with me that it was an economic disadvantage to even have the job but he loves the church he serves. Then they discarded him as they often do with those things that don’t fit into their vision (which we can all see is working so well!! GRR!!) That hit home.
THAT really hit home.
In the past couple of weeks, actually to be honest, in the past decade plus, I have witnessed lay people be taken advantage of and discarded because the church cannot manage itself. People in lay ministry (especially in the area of leadership ministry) have been blamed because the pews aren’t full, but have also been told that we are not equal to any priest as far as our personal power goes, (so you work the math on that). But wait, we are equal to the actual work as evidenced by many priests think nothing of loading more and more on without compensation. I have seen so many really devoted and hardworking lay ministers disrespected and unappreciated. On occasion, I have experienced that too though to my own two bosses credit, not often. Still, it happens.
I have seen women who should have been deacons be cast aside, I have seen priests, too, all but drop from exhaustion because they are pulled in so many directions. But what is really wrong with the church is seen clearly in what happened with Michael Bayer.
He upset some people. They had to feel bad about themselves, how dare he.
Doners can’t feel bad. Young priests without humility in check can’t feel bad.
Our institution is sick and it is affecting our family. We are hammered with issues like abortion but seem to overlook the 150,000 people who have died at this administrations mishandling of the pandemic. We have witnessed people be fired from Catholic institutions because they are gay and had the audacity to live in their truth. We say we defend life but how many clergy cow-tow to an administration that seems to thrive on causing pain to humanity. They outright DENY the humanity of half the world. But we should trust them because you know, “Pro-Life”.
Sure.
These are the issues that Michael Bayer was discussing. This was the stuff that earned him no points. But it makes me crazy because THIS is how we evangelize? Through arrogance? Fear? Cowardice? Injustice? Who would want to be part of that mess??
Being Catholic is a call to action, which might be the very reason that I needed to write this post. We are a people of justice, we need to lead with an understanding of true justice that comes from God. Justice that lets the windows be opened and the air flow through, justice that gets rid of the “stench” of corruption. Piety has no place for corruption. All of the adoration hours in the world will not make a lick of difference if we leave our brothers and sisters to fend for themselves. How many scripture passages do we need to get it? That is not who we are meant to be.
So, that was where my anger this morning came from. I have since taken it down because I didn’t want to worry people. Though I am not sure how long I can hang out and be part of the problem without being allowed to be part of the solution. I will let God let me know when it is time to walk away.
