Expert: Sal - 4/7/2010

Question
Hi Sal,

With the recent sex abuse scandal, and the possible depth of those involved in a cover-up, what can faithful Catholics do and say to defend God’s church?  

God Bless,

David

Answer
Dear David:

We should be honest and admit that this is a terrible thing that has occurred. We cannot support abuse or any cover-up. We have to deal with all the facts as they are. We should point out that Jesus said that his Church would have good and bad people in it until he comes. Then he will purge all evil from his Church. Until then we will always have to deal with bad things happening in the Church.

Jesus said this about his Church in Matthew 13:24-30:


24Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'

28" 'An enemy did this,' he replied.
     "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'

29" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "

Pray for the Church.

Sal