I find it a wonder how we as a species seem to live out the same pattern over and over again, generation after generation without seeming to be able to change or learn. Well perhaps we are learning but it seems at such a pace that it may be too late to save us. I also find it amazing that it is those who don’t believe in freewill (well at least they say they do not) who seem to get the most upset over man’s failures to live up to their ideals.
Belief that one is a sinner can be freeing, for in fact it holds up the reality that we do in fact have the power to change, grow, and it is the authenticity of healthy guilt that allows this. Many react strongly to this notion, yet often, they are the ones who are the loudest in their condemnation of those who fail. Yet they, as said above, often do not believe in freewill at all, which precludes any notion of sin, or missing the mark.
I know I fail, often, more than seven times a day. That is supposed to be the number of times the just man fails everyday. So what does that say about me? I am not a good man, I struggle everyday to try to simply respond to the grace offered to me, which frees me from overweening self-interest that precludes others from my thoughts.
High sounding phrases are fine, anyone can spout them off, yet it is the living them out that is whole point. I am not surprised when politicians are corrupted or for that matter men of the church, or those of any other organization. I would say, for me, that faith is more about a way of life that has roots in a certain tradition, and that the way it is lived out by others is not a concern for me, since again, I know what I am made of and in the end how poorly I actually do live it out.
The center of the Christian is a loving relationship with Christ. As a catholic, the sacraments and the liturgy are a help and a grace for me, giving me strength to continue on my journey. Yet it is not the structure (which is important) that sustains me. For if someone only attends to that, there is the danger then of having a compulsion to worry about appearances alone, which is what has gotten many churches and other organization in deep trouble. Without Christ, the church is just a pretty building with nothing inside.
The human journey is a difficult one, no matter what one believes or does not believe in. It is just too easy to focus on those who think or believe differently that is the problem. For it only takes the focus away from self and ones responsibility to grow in self knowledge and yes humility, which is simply the truth about oneself in all aspects. It is an escape from authenticity and responsibility towards oneself and others.
I am glad the church is being pounded at this time, for in the end it will only strengthen it and yes purify it. Our leaders have sinned against those of us who have no part in the actual running of the church, we have been forgotten and laid aside, and that is coming to an end. True, the church (the leaders is what I mean), is being forced to face certain very painful issues. Yet it is the reality of ‘sin’, that allows this admission, even if forced. The reality of failure and responsibility will surface and for awhile things will improve, though it is a cycle, and will continue most likely until the end of time.
It is this flexibility in the end that will allow the church to continue to grow and mature, however slowly. Being part of the church, I include myself in that as well, for I am a sinner, and again this encourages me to continue on my journey, for in the end I am responsible to how I respond to graces calling. Knowing that leaves the door for change open and the finding of any excuses almost impossible. It is only by the painful glare of truth that change will come and the church is going through a very painful time. The truth about its failings is so apparent at this time that it has to be addressed or die.
I believe that the church will survive for many years to come, perhaps for thousands of years. If this is true, then it is still young and will mature and grow in a deeper understanding of its mission. I would also inject that this is true of the other world religions. As a species we are young, immature, prone to violence, not only towards others but towards ourselves….which in the end could be our undoing.
I also feel that science will eventually come to the conclusion that intelligence exists that is beyond comprehension that underlies all of creation, which is both transcendent and immanent. It does not have to be called “God”, for that term is used in a generic way to present to the world different ideas or theories about this ultimate reality. Of course I am biased in this regard and do not expect many to agree with me, but it seems the more we know, only leads to the understanding of how little that is.
That is what mystery is. An eternal growth in knowing, but never getting close to actually understanding….which is what I believe we are made for. Even in human relationships this knowing of the other will never come to and end, for we are of ourselves also one of the great mysteries of the universe.
Well, there are those who think we are just meat, for them the above will be false.
Br. Mark Dohle, OCSO
Holy Spirit Monastery
