To pardon and show mercy are characteristic attitudes of every good Christian. However, it happens that at times we do not know what, or who, to pardon. Contemplating Jesus Christ, we find the most extraordinary example: mercy toward those who were on the path of evil, the repentant sinners. Nonetheless, others who were taken for saints, such as the Pharisees, often received the severest reproaches from Jesus. So how can it be said that whoever condemns an error does not live according to the wise commandments of the Lord, if he is actually following Jesus’ example? Furthermore, the good shepherd should go after the lost sheep. But, to save them, should he get his hands ‘dirty’? What does this term mean? Once again we encounter incomplete expressions that bring up doubts. Of course the shepherd must be ready to face sufferings and difficulties for the good of his flock, but this does not mean that he should put his own salvation, or that of others, at risk. Along this line, is it licit for clrergy members to risk their reputation and their vocation with the supposed intention of saving souls? Once again, pronouncements of uncertain meaning fill us with perplexity, and each is left to his own devices to interpret at will… So then, let us cling resolutely to the teachings that Church has always given to the faithful. More…
You could not be more eloquent about the feelings of so many of us catholics who feel betrayed by the clergy.
Between the two, I’d go for the punk with the red hair. At least he does not commit sacrileges every day. The priest in front of him disgusts me.