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.
