I actually find it a little encouraging. Not the behavior itself, of course, but the exposure of it.
It is far too easy to dismiss confessionals as those kooks who are so smitten with liturgy they flirt with Rome and Constantinople. But no. Their trust in the Word of God and the efficacy of the sacraments has never led to debts this huge. This is a financial effect of misplaced faith in the deeds of man whom, when I last checked, was sinful and unclean in thought, word and deed.
The man-made institution cannot be fixed, but the faithful pastors and laity can call it back from the abyss one more time using this kind of left-hand ammunition.
Perhaps the best comment is: "No comment."
ReplyDeleteIndeed...
ReplyDeleteI actually find it a little encouraging. Not the behavior itself, of course, but the exposure of it.
ReplyDeleteIt is far too easy to dismiss confessionals as those kooks who are so smitten with liturgy they flirt with Rome and Constantinople. But no. Their trust in the Word of God and the efficacy of the sacraments has never led to debts this huge. This is a financial effect of misplaced faith in the deeds of man whom, when I last checked, was sinful and unclean in thought, word and deed.
The man-made institution cannot be fixed, but the faithful pastors and laity can call it back from the abyss one more time using this kind of left-hand ammunition.
God, grant it. :)
Hmmm very interesting... maybe we need a follow up article in the WSJ or other media outlet exposing this to the eyes of the world : )
ReplyDeleteMatt