“The Legionaries of Christ, an influential Roman Catholic religious order,
have been shaken by new revelations that their founder, who died a year ago,
had an affair with a woman and fathered a daughter just as he and his
thriving conservative order were winning the acclaim of Pope John-Paul II”.
This statement reported by Laurie Goldstein in the New York Times in February, 2009, referred to the exploits of Rev. Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado, the founder of the highly influential order, during the period 1940–1970, when it is alleged he led a double life that included affairs with several women, as well as the molestation and sexual abuse of dozens of young men while they were students under his care.
Then there is the recent story of the Catholic priest who, in 1980, took over a mission in Pompano Beach, Florida and within a few short years was able to build a large and thriving community of worshippers and a very successful TV program which had achieved International acclaim. All of this came to an abrupt end after accusations of sexual abuse surfaced involving young men and other priests.
In 1988, the highly successful Evangelist, Jimmy Swaggart, who had built up a very large and devout following, stirred up a damning controversy after a private investigation found he had solicited a prostitute for sex. Initially, Swaggart denied the accusations publicly, but after irrefutable evidence surfaced, he later confessed and publicly apologized for the acts in what has become a landmark televised broadcast.
These are but three of endless examples of the failings of human beings who are entrusted with the sacred responsibilities of helping others to navigate through the complex and confusing paths to God’s salvation. In the overall context of the very large numbers who have and are successfully working and guiding the population, the numbers are miniscule. But when viewed against the impact upon the trusting followers and the resulting effects upon the individual psyches, the damage caused is significant. The extent of suffering, both physical and psychological, caused by their actions, has resulted in varying degrees of pain and disillusionment among such an enormous number of trusting and defenseless followers. The majority of the victims, because of shame, disappointment or justifiable resentment, will never ever be known or heard from, and most unfortunately, will be cheated from the opportunity of receiving God’s promises, through no fault of their own.
The perpetrators deserve to be publicly chastised and where necessary, punished for their unforgivable transgressions, and removed from their positions of responsibility so that they are prevented from doing further damage. But even as we do this, we must be careful to separate their actions from those of the con-men and charlatans who set themselves up with the deliberate intention of cheating their unsuspecting victims. Their intentions and actions are fraudulent from the start, and should be viewed and treated as such.
However paradoxical it may be, we must be willing to recognize that in respect of the wayward preachers, there is a fundamental and profound difference between the person who is inspired to carry out the duties in the name of the Almighty, and the weak and susceptible person who occupies the same body. When you examine the words and the writings of any of these people, without regard to the actions and transgressions committed, you cannot help but be moved by the genuine content and intentions projected, and even more, by the positive effects on the audience.
It takes a special person, or perhaps an inspired person, to influence a large gathering and by their words give hope to those who need it, and rekindle faith in those who are lost, and to do this over and over again. Clearly these people, even as they behave in unacceptable ways, are able to do good for many, by delivering a message of hope. History abounds with examples of people who have succeeded to do a great deal of good while being guilty of personal indiscretions. This should not be surprising since Jesus himself chose sinners to become his disciples with the responsibility to spread the word.
So, as we contemplate the transgressions of these people who are entrusted with the special responsibility of carrying out God’s work on earth, let us never forget that, like us all, they are sinners and capable of committing sin. All the more reason that we never ever forget to concentrate on “the message” they deliver, and not “the messenger”.
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