LET’s face it. The scandals of the Catholic Church have rocked it to its very core – a certain subset of the upper hierarchy has done immense harm to it. And we may be seeing only the tip of the iceberg. The overall picture may be of a much wider scope. This is the negative side of the picture. The positive side is that since its founding more than 2,000 years ago the church has gone through many difficult periods. And in each case she has emerged triumphant and stronger. Thou are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail. So let us take solace in this fact. The weaklings will probably fall away but a dedicated group will remain to forge ahead as has happened so many times in the past.
Here in Guyana we have our own problems – mismanagement, labouring, under the guise of restructuring. All of it are enshrouded in a deafening and unholy silence. This Omerta – like silence is a sin. Doing can be a sin and not doing can also be a sin.
All in all the Church will emerge stronger and triumphant – this church which defined the Roman Emperors, the church that fostered the counter-reformation may be reduced to a relic of what it first stood for. But from that relic a vibrant and radiant church will emerge stronger than ever – just as the proverbial phoenix across from its ashes.
Before I end this article let me share with you this last thought.
The master chose 12 and gave them special powers to carry out their work. One of the 12 deserted him and committed an abomination. This represented eight and a half per cent of the top echelon leadership. Nowhere in the history of the church has it had to face such a calamity, when Roman emperors, inquisition, reformation, or even the Aryan Heresy which was supported by 365 Bishops.
What did the remaining 11 do? Did they hang their head in shame and capitulate? No! With the help of foreigners Greeks, Gentiles they stood up and with the help of the Holy Spirit though despondent at first they continued up to this time.
So let all those of goodwill who can see the light stand up and do their duty.
The Gates of Hell will not prevail.