The Bishop Writes

(From the July 2, 1998 edition of the Inland Register)

We have seen over the past few years here in our country tragic instances of anger expressed in indiscriminate killing. The bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, the shootings at schools, and ruthless killing accompanying robberies are prominent examples. Almost always these situations in one way or another are accompanied by broken relationships within families, communities, or our nation.

I suspect all of us have wondered how such terrible events could have been avoided or prevented. There are many other instances of a less volatile anger lived out in broken relationships, rejection, or bitterness expressed in any number of ways. Violence, lack of civility or of reverence for the human person are so commonplace in our culture that many are concerned about the breakdown of a sense of community and of respect for one another.

Even within our Church elements of anger and bitterness have increased over the years. Hatred, name calling, belittling, or self-righteous attitudes create an atmosphere that is contrary to the Gospel mandate of loving and forgiving one another. I suspect all of this speaks of a crisis in spirituality and stems from at least a weak relationship with God. God’s presence is acknowledged but not lived. Perhaps that is why St. Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians (5) says, "This makes us ambassadors for Christ, God as it were appealing through us. We implore you in Christ’s name: be reconciled with God!"

Jesus challenges us to be a light to the world and a salt of the earth. We should remember as members of the Church the constant call to be a leaven in society, to give good example of who we are as a community of faith striving to be faithful to Jesus, to ourselves and to community both within the Church and outside of the Church. There is no room for spiritual "freemen" in a community of faith. Through our baptism, confirmation, and regular celebration of Eucharist, we are profoundly bonded to the Lord and the body of Christ.

Everyone is afflicted in some manner with at least partially strained or broken relationships. That’s the very nature of our sinfulness which dehumanizes, isolates, and poisons. For us in the Church we have a tradition of how broken relationships can be reconciled, restored, or created anew. St. Peter broke relationship in his denial of Jesus before the crucifixion. The relationship was quickly restored as Peter saw the need for forgiveness and restoration. St. Paul was terribly afflicted by the violence of persecution of the followers of Jesus, but something happened on the road to Damascus as God touched him. A new relationship with Jesus began, and this intimacy became a powerful witness and inspiration.

We need to be honest with ourselves about the quality of our relationships or the lack of them. Our in relationship with God and one another does not depend upon our perfection. Imperfection for every one of us is the human condition.

We are encouraged to take initiative in reconciling and building relationships in our lives, not waiting for others to make the first move. We can take initiative in celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation as we are forgiven by God and restored in relationship to the community of faith. There is something about celebrating the sacrament which makes us face reality in our hearts and where we really stand with God and one another. We simply cannot live with broken or strained relationships and expect to be a good witness of the presence of Jesus. We need to be reconciled to God, and we have the means to do so.

Pope John Paul II has asked forgiveness for the Church because of some of her past actions. For example, in his encyclical on Christian unity, "That They May Be One," he states: "The Catholic Church acknowledges and confesses the weakness of her members, conscious that their sins are so many betrayals of and obstacles to the accomplishment of the Savior’s plan." (3)

A few days ago, the bishops of the Northwest at our summer meeting in Pittsburgh talked about the need for reconciliation within the Church and how in our roles as shepherds we need to say, "On behalf of the Church, we are sorry ... " With the jubilee preparation next year focusing on God the Father, the virtue of love, and reconciliation, we will strive to find ways of how to take initiative just as God always takes initiative in our lives.

May we all look to reconciliation as an invitation and challenge to restore and deepen relationships. None of us is exempt from that call. Even more importantly, we have a great opportunity. Jesus came as Savior and brother to transform the world. That mission has been entrusted to you and me, "God as it were appealing through us." The Sacrament of Reconciliation has great transforming power, and our reaching out to God and one another has great energy and power for change, creation, and restoration. This possible transformation is truly good news. You and I with God’s help can make it happen!

May God bless you and give you peace.

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