Action Grounded in Wisdom

10-14-2018Weekly ReflectionFr. John Sims Baker

I don't know about you, but I need to work on patience about all kinds of things. I need, for example, to be a more patient driver. I also need to realize that most good and valuable things take time. I am trying to get myself in better shape physically, and I realize that is going to take time and perseverance.

I have realized the same thing about the crisis in the Church about clerical abuse and cover-ups. It will take time to accomplish real reform. As a matter of fact, much progress has been made, even as we learn more completely about the depths of the sins of the past. New allegations of abuse of minors by priests, for example, have been drastically reduced by policies put in place in 2002. At the same time, we are learning how irresponsible were the practices before that time. Over the summer, we seemed to be bombarded with terrible revelations, and I was impatient for action. Action is indeed necessary, but I am beginning to see that the action needs to be grounded in wisdom and prudence rather than impatience. In the bulletin this week is an insert about the Holy Father's prayer intentions for October which are focused on prayer for the healing of victims and for the healing of the Church.

Later this fall, on November 8, we will host at Saint Rose one of Bishop Spalding's four-panel discussions on abuse issues held in different parts of the diocese. I encourage you to take part in the opportunity to hear from the bishop himself about these pressing issues. We insistently and patiently press forward.

Faithfully,

Fr. Baker