Worthless Clergymen

Someone once called at the Church and said he had been away from the Church for about 30 years and wanted to return. I told him I would be glad to help him. We spoke for a few moments about his current situation; he told me of a couple divorces and remarriages, and a long list of associated sins. I explained to him that he would need to apply for marriage annulments and go to confession (which is simply standard Church teaching). He told me: "No, I don't want to do that. Is there another way?" "No, there's not", I told him. The conversation ended and he said goodbye.

A few months later I found out that he went to another parish and the priest told him everything was good and he did not need the annulments or to go to confession. He happily was "received back into communion" at that parish. Yes, that means he was told he did not need to repent, that he could continue to live in sin, and receive the Sacraments. Sadly, there are people who seek this very thing: the answer that makes them happy with no challenge or responsibilities. When a majority of Catholics behave like this (as they do today), there are always consequences.

In the book of the prophet Zechariah, we read:

"Lo, I am raising up in the land a shepherd who does not care for the perishing, or seek the wandering, or heal the maimed, or nourish the sound, but devours the flesh of the fat ones, tearing off even their hoofs. Woe to my worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword smite his arm and his right eye! Let his arm be wholly withered, his right eye utterly blinded!” (11:16-17).

This is a powerful passage. If we read the entire context with the verses that come before, it becomes clear that God actually sends "worthless shepherds" (bad priests) into His Church when the people refuse to listen to the truth. It is like the Lord says, "Ok, you won't listen to what is right then I will allow clergymen to tell you what you want...to your own destruction". Our Lord never forces us to obey, and when we reject His truth, He will give us enough rope to hang ourselves.

Yes, that means that the priest who told your friend that she could continue in sin was sent by God as a punishment. The priest who refuses to give homilies that tell parishioners to repent is a "worthless shepherd". The bishop who lets it go when his priests openly support and profess heresy "does not care" about his people. The bishop who does not help when you ask for relief from an abusive pastor does not "heal or nourish" those in need. Yes, they will be punished for their disobedience, but remember, they did not arrive on their own. God allowed them into His flock because that is what His people wanted.

Lord have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us.