How do I reconcile the Church’s call for justice with the continued dismissals and contradictions in leadership, such as Bishop Zurek‘s response to accusations of clergy abuse at St. Mary’s Cathedral, his approval of a memorial erected by a convicted pedophile priest to commemorate a man whose actions harmed innocent youth, and his decision to allow laity to conduct a Communion Service on the same day a Mass is provided, while the faithful, like the disciples in the Gospel, have “no opportunity even to eat“❓
Gospel
The Apostles gathered together with Jesus
and reported all they had done and taught.
He said to them,
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
People were coming and going in great numbers,
and they had no opportunity even to eat.
So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.
People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.
They hastened there on foot from all the towns
and arrived at the place before them.When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them,
for they were like sheep without a shepherd;
and he began to teach them many things.
Lectio Divina Reflection on “opportunity“
Opportunity has always been a defining force in my life—sometimes granted, sometimes withheld. The financial crisis of 2007-08 was an opportunity for the world to rebuild an economic system rooted in justice and ethical responsibility. Yet, rather than seizing the moment for meaningful reform, those in power chose to maintain the same flawed structures, ensuring that wealth remained concentrated in the hands of a few. How often do I let opportunity slip away simply because change feels too inconvenient❓
When I made accusations of clergy abuse at St. Mary’s Cathedral, I believed it was an opportunity for truth to prevail. Instead, Bishop Zurek framed it as a disruption, blaming “the few” for threatening the future of ordinations rather than confronting the deeper issue at hand. It baffles me that an opportunity to protect the innocent and restore faith was instead twisted into a narrative of division and self-preservation. Why is it that, when given the chance to stand for justice, some choose silence instead❓
have an ordination for a long time.”
1; CCC 892), and as such, I ask that it be welcomed and received. It represents a form of
exercise of the authentic teaching of the Bishop of Rome that has some novel features but
which, in fact, corresponds to what I had the opportunity to point out on 17 October 2015, when
I affirmed that synodality is the appropriate interpretative framework for understanding
hierarchical ministry
Even more unsettling is the opportunity Bishop Zurek affords a convicted pedophile priest—the chance to know that although he served time in prison for his heinous crimes, the monument he erected in honor of the bishop who, in Bishop Zurek’s own words, made the “serious mistake” of giving him a second chance to sexually abuse youth, remains standing. What message does this send to survivors❓ What does it say about who is deemed worthy of opportunity and who is not❓ It pains me to see how easily those in power can rewrite history to serve their own interests.
“Saturday February 15th your first opportunity to take the prayer types of prayer segment the next course being…”
Next week, Father Tony has chosen to take the opportunity to spend time with a dying friend, and there will be no 7 AM Mass on Friday. I understand and respect his decision, but it raises questions about how opportunity is managed in our diocese. Why is it that Bishop Zurek, who prays daily Mass at his pastoral center, has never and will not take this opportunity to offer a daily Mass for the faithful at his own cathedral❓ Instead, he permits the laity to conduct a private Communion Service—a quiet concession that speaks volumes about his priorities.
At times, I wonder if opportunity is only for those who hold authority while the rest of us must simply accept what we are given. But if true leadership is about service, then why are the faithful left hungry for the Eucharist, while those in power refuse to step in❓ Is this what it means to be a shepherd—to withhold the Bread of Life❓ I cannot help but think of the disciples who longed for rest but were constantly met with new demands. Where does one draw the line between duty and disregard❓ And why, when the need was so great, did…
The financial crisis of 2007-08 provided an opportunity to develop a new economy, more attentive to ethical principles, and new ways of regulating speculative financial practices and virtual wealth. But the response to the crisis did not include rethinking the outdated criteria which continue to rule the world.
FROM PARAGRAPH 189 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME