Posted by
Tom L. on Monday, April 05, 2010 9:22:47 AM
When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely not I, Lord?” Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:20-24)
Almost from the very beginning, Jesus was betrayed by those closest to him. What has become clear is, that over the last 75 years (if not longer), Brother Judas, Father Judas, Bishop Judas, and Cardinal Judas have continued the sin of Judas Iscariot; caused unfathomable the pain to their victims. We still hear them say, “Surely not I, Lord?”
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. (Matthew 26:34-35)
We hear those who surrounded Brother Judas, Father Judas, Bishop Judas, and Cardinal Judas say “I will never disown you.” How many times by their actions or lack of actions did they disown Him; do they still disown Him?
Today there are some 1.12 billion Roman Catholics worldwide. None of us prefect; all of us sinners. To one extent or another, the betrayers and deniers have impacted us all. It is not they to whom we turn, it is Christ Jesus, His teachings, and His promise. “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)
Respectfully, I would like to suggest that the Holy Father proclaim that for one year all General Intercessions/Prayer of the Faithful includes something such as: “We pray to the Lord for healing for and forgiveness from all those who have been abused by those within the Church.”
The people of God called to form the Catholic Church praying for healing and forgiveness would be a strong statement of our faith.