THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION

By Tim Rohr

Troy Torres of Kandit News has a lot to say in this editorial:

The archdiocese is a mess and needs a leader

He's right about the title. However, there are some holes in the history and some other missing links that I may fill in at some point. But for now, thank you to Troy for keeping this "mess" in the news.

I do want to address one thing Troy says and it is this:

"BJ Cruz and I both found our way back to the church, despite significant shortcomings of many of its past and present leaders. But, it was a struggle; an unnecessary one for many who grew up sitting on those same pews that now are bleeding parishioners. There has to be a simpler way."

I wasn't aware that Mr. Cruz ever stopped going to Mass. At the time of the controversy over the introduction of same-sex civil union and domestic partnership legislation (a very complicated history), I was at the forefront of the opposition and often engaged Mr. Cruz in the media. From what I remember, Cruz often referred to the fact that he continued to practice his Catholic faith and I admired him for that. However, if he left the Church and then came back, then all the better. 

I am aware that Troy has returned to his faith through his many postings, and good for him. And I urge Troy and everyone else not to "leave Jesus because of Judas," a line I often used to explain why I, when questioned, have not had my faith shaken by all I have helped to uncover and the other very bad things that have happened to me because of my roll in all of that. 

The real bottom line though is that the "struggle" Troy refers to IS in fact necessary, and it is necessary because Jesus only promises us the cross. 

"Take up your cross and follow me," is the only way to Jesus. And it is because He Said So. 

It's just that we don't expect that cross to be our own priests and bishops. However, bad priests started with Judas...and Jesus picked him. 

So why are we surprised that some priests and bishops are descendants of Judas or are simply fallen. Nothing happens without God's permission and He may in fact send us fallen, difficult, or even evil leaders to "winnow" us - that is to separate the wheat from the chaff. 

"His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” - Matt 3:12

The chaff are blown out of the pews Troy refers to and and they run off to other churches or to no church at all. Meanwhile, the wheat falls to the floor and is stored into barns. 

Are you wheat or chaff? 

Stand firm and stop being wimps. Expect affliction and thank HIM for it, even if it comes from the sanctuary. For as the prophet Isaiah says (48:10):

"Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction."