Many priests today have succumbed to luxuria. Allergic to real work and having given themselves over to a life of ease and comfort, boredom has wreaked much havoc in their lives.
The axiom, "Idle hands are the devil’s workshop” is rooted in Sacred Scripture. The apostle Paul tells us that those who waste their time in idleness or in a non-productive manner are easily led into sin: “We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies” (2 Thessalonians 3:11).
Saint Paul and his fellow missionaries set an example of diligence for the church. “You yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you. . . . On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8).
But a Cult of Softness and laziness has crept into the lives of so many clergy today. So many are accustomed to a life devoid of any physical work that they have sought entertainment to alleviate their boredom. Many of these have sought solace in alcohol or have turned to various sexcapades to satisfy their lusts.
Perhaps it's time to expect our priests to DO more. Instead of cooks to prepare their meals, perhaps they could cook for themselves? Rather than employing housekeepers, perhaps they could pick up a dust cloth or push a vacuum themselves? Perhaps they could clean the Church and wash the altar linen? Clean the parish grounds etc. Most of these tasks, if not all, have been delegated to lay persons in most parishes.
Perhaps the laity have spoiled the clergy? Maybe if we expected more from our clergy, maybe if they actually did some physical work along with the spiritual, they wouldn't have so much idle time.
Idleness which is the Devil's workshop.
Saint Paul supported himself as a tent maker; the Benedictines have as their motto: Ora et Labora - Prayer AND work.
ReplyDeleteA sure remedy!
Paul writes, on Facebook, "Dr. Alice von Hildebrand agrees with me. Too many priests today (not all, of course, but too many) have succumbed to luxuria. Dr. Hildebrand has addressed the problem of clergy who have the best entertainment centers, drink the best wines, and some of whom read Playboy. They dine in the best restaurants and live a soft life. Unlike Our Lord Jesus Who worked as a carpenter.
ReplyDeleteI knew a priest who would take two week long vacations to the Virgin Islands. This scandalized many of the laity who cannot afford to do the same.
This same priest would go with another man, with whom he was having a sexual relationship, and was later found guilty of molesting a teenage boy."
I agree. We need a culture change in this area.
The absence of any ascetical spirituality is very noticeable in our clergy today.
ReplyDeleteYes. In line with 1 Corinthians 9:27:"But I chastise my body, and bring it into subjection: lest perhaps, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway."
ReplyDeleteThey can be hard on their lay employees, too.
ReplyDeleteAnd offering up even the smallest task or menial chore for sinners, the ill, or the holy souls, is pleasing to God.
ReplyDelete