What a homily proclaimed today by our Holy Father! A message filled with hope, renewal, patriotism and acknowledgment of past failings. What I found particularly moving was the manner in which Pope Benedict XVI, confirming Catholics in America in their faith and calling them to “live different lives,” called us to “look to the future” while keeping awareness of the glory and the shame of our past. Undeniably so, the Pope’s words were meant to prompt us forward as witnesses of the Gospel.
What struck me in particular was Pope Benedict XVI’s attention to the past failings of what is otherwise a source of hope and opportunity in America. The sins and injustices committed by the first generations of Americans against the Native American and African people cannot be blithely dismissed and will forever be carried along side the good of this country’s founding. Patriotism, for Pope Benedict XVI, is celebration in one’s tradition but also sober criticism of particular moments in the historical unfolding of that tradition.
But perhaps nothing was as shocking and inspiring to me as hearing Pope Benedict XVI publicly acknowledge and denounce the grave sins of sexual immorality committed by priests in America and the mishandling of the crisis by some of our shepherds. Just this morning, the Dallas Morning News ran an editoral accusing the Holy Father of “punting” the sex abuse crisis to the bishops yesterday, talking about the crisis behind closed doors and stating that “we wish he’d do so publicly.” Well, that editorial ran a few hours too early, for the Pope was very clear today in his address at Nationals Stadium:
It is in the context of this hope born of God’s love and fidelity that I acknowledge the pain which the Church in America has experienced as a result of the sexual abuse of minors. No words of mine could describe the pain and harm inflicted by such abuse. It is important that those who have suffered be given loving pastoral attention. Nor can I adequately describe the damage that has occurred within the community of the Church. Great efforts have already been made to deal honestly and fairly with this tragic situation, and to ensure that children – whom our Lord loves so deeply (cf. Mk 10:14), and who are our greatest treasure – can grow up in a safe environment. These efforts to protect children must continue. Yesterday I spoke with your Bishops about this. Today I encourage each of you to do what you can to foster healing and reconciliation, and to assist those who have been hurt. Also, I ask you to love your priests, and to affirm them in the excellent work that they do. And above all, pray that the Holy Spirit will pour out his gifts upon the Church, the gifts that lead to conversion, forgiveness and growth in holiness.
The Holy Father not only publicly acknowledges the deep pain of so many betrayed Catholics in America, but also publicly calls for resitution, reconciliation, restoration and revival. In hope, we are saved, and it is hope that we must spread through evangelization and repentence.
Like I said, what a homily!
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