When one thinks of all the priests and religious who have fallen...
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The almost famous ones, as well as the nearly hidden ones. One could compose a list of them I suppose; the EWTN priests, Black SheepDog.com, Mother Nadine Inc, a couple of Cistercian LTD monasteries, local priests - straight and gay, and so on. What do the saints say? "I'm more surprised by what sinners don't do than by what they do." I suppose that means we probably shouldn't allow ourselves to be shaken when we hear of scandals - yet that is what being shaken and sifted does. It not only knocks idols off their pedestals - it shakes us out of our complacency and self-righteousness.
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On the other hand, the famous, in your face church people: The dissenters, heretics, whatever you want to call them - no scandal can touch them. Perhaps because they have nothing to hide - they've no facades to maintain and polish. The McBriens and Chittisters and Farrows stopped the cover up: No cloisters, no habits, no rules, no hiding behind religious decorum. They are way out of the closet with their embrace of all things liberal and all things equal and relevant. They aren't on any pedestals - they walk amongst us.
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They all scare me.
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And so I keep thinking...
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'Work out your salvation in fear and trembling.'
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And, 'the just man is scarcely saved.'
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And, 'truth has dwindled from the sons of men, falsehood they speak one to another, with lying lips, with a false heart.'
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And, 'Put no trust in princes, in mortal men in whom there is no help.'
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And, 'The Lord is my help and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, before whom shall I shrink? Though father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.'
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"Likewise, you younger members, be subject to the presbyters. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: "God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble." So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ (Jesus) will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen." - 1 Peter 5
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Things to watch out for: pride, arrogance, vanity, vainglory, asking for donations, secrecy, living alone, no accountability, and self-promotion.
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Photo: Corapi Dog - before he dyed his fur black.
