"The blogosphere has been crackling..." Greg Kandra
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Fr. 'I'm so well known that the damage is irreparable' Corapi. I was thinking about that statement. That's a pretty high opinion of oneself. I haven't noticed anything on national news regarding this story - just online Catholic sources.
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When these stories come out about priests I am always shaken. It bothers me and tempts my fidelity. While pondering the Corapi discussion, I've concluded that even if Fr. Corapi is innocent of the accusations, I believe this whole interruption to his life and career just might be good for him and his followers. We believe in Divine Providence, right? God draws good out of evil, right? Perhaps this is a correction, a needed break to step back and examine the 'business' Corapi is about? Maybe the 'for profit' deal isn't the way to go when fulfilling the mission to 'preach the Gospel without charge'? Discounting the business part, maybe it is a good reminder just how fallible human beings are and that we ought to place our faith and trust in God alone - not 'princes'.
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I've never read the Deacon's Bench before, but today I came upon some objective commentary on the Corapi affair not found elsewhere online. Most of Corapi's middle American fan base seems ready to defend the priest to the death and come close to condemning anyone who dares to suggest the accusations just might make sense. In the beginning I liked Corapi - although I never thought he had the greatest elocutionary skills, but he pretty much lost me during his copyright wars over his material and speaking tours, not to mention the death threat drama and security detail he incorporated into his entourage. None of that meant he can't preach the Word of God however - Jim Baker, Ted Haggert, Jimmy Swaggert, and other televangelists have brought many a soul to Jesus Christ as well.
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Though it is extremely difficult and shameful to be accused unfairly - believe me I know how that feels; after all is said and done, it seems to me to be conformed to our Master through accusation and persecution may not be such a bad thing - at least to the extent of not complaining and saying "Why me?" "No servant is above his Master." Unless the servant begins to imagine he is, and then humiliations clear that misconception up - if we're lucky.
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Fact is, we all need purification, and no one is his own master. And troubles are the lot of the Christian in these times.
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UPDATE: A friend sent me this link to an even better commentary: Regarding Father Corapi: I Wish This Were Less Predictable
