Seeking Harmony on the Seas (a.k.a Troublesome Post)

 

Seeking Harmony on the Seas

(Originally Posted on 11/6/2018 This article was challenged by leadership in the Diocese of Rockville Centre)

It had been a long winter and we decided that a vacation was overdue, so we booked a weeklong cruise through the Caribbean. Adjusting to the ship’s accommodations went smoothly, as we boarded one of the largest cruise ships in the world, “Harmony of the Seas”.

The warm weather helped melt away the winter blues along with the tensions and trials of life at home. We enjoyed a warm welcome from the captain and crew as we embarked on our journey from island to island.

 We were amazed at the size of the ship, as well as the diversity of the patrons and crew. Traveling together we met people from India, Australia, Mexico, Hungry, Russia, England, South Africa, and America, all journeying together.

 The technology to keep the massive vessel on course was impressive as each crew member knew their role in bringing us safely from port to port. With the help of stabilizers, and thrusters rocking back and forth was minimized even through turbulent seas. Not surprisingly, when pulling into port, despite all the radar and technology to steer the ship, the captain had to rely on tugboats to guide the ship safely into each local port.

The work of the tugboat and her crew is a necessary component when assisting ships safely into port, because they know the local waterways and obstacles so well.

 

Tugboats remind me of the faithful laity and clergy of a parish who guide us with either a gentle nudge or tow us into safe harbors. The captain, quartermaster, cruise director know their unique roles and responsibilities and a crew in harmony executes their functions with precision and pride.

It would seem quite odd for a ship’s captain to simultaneously take on the function of a cruise director, port master, and tugboat captain. The idea of a captain as “lord and master” would bring scandal and disharmony, leading the crew to question the captain’s competency and risk the ship’s course. (Thinking about the Cain Mutiny movie right now with Commander Queeg...” I’ll find those hidden strawberries!”) A captain who ignores the assistance of the tugboat and her crew would put souls aboard in great peril. A good captain understands the importance of working together with the crew and understands the value that each crew member brings to a successful voyage.

The root of disharmony in many Church traditions are the resurgence of a New Clericalism among some pastors. Pastors who place their office above that of the laity and brother clergy often lead their congregations toward disharmony and into dangerous waters.

“In Pope Francis’ homily before the council of cardinals on December 13, 2017, he spoke harshly about what he considers one of the great dangers of clericalism: that it alienates the members of the Church by refusing to be close to them and reinforces the belief that priests are above the laity.” (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA/EWTN News)

“Clericalism is defined as a state of affairs in which there is unnecessary or exaggerated importance attributed to the clergy. Such a state of affairs where the laity relates to the clergy as subjects to be ruled rather than a people to be lovingly pastored. A clericalist’s ideology is one that places too much importance and emphasis on the clergy and undue importance to their actions.” (http://www.unamsanctamcatholicam.com/liturgy/78-liturgy/311-bxvi-new-clericalism.html)

The challenge to Assistant Pastors, Deacons, Lay Ministers and the laity is how to point out the errors of clericalism and the destructive effect on a parish. Retribution on whistle-blowers (brother clergy, and lay ministry leaders is well documented) is common. Clericalism’s effects surface through the disenfranchisement of the laity and disharmony among the parish staff. Behind the scenes, fraternal correction often takes place as assisting clergy and lay ministers point out abuse and hope their correction is heeded. Unfortunately, those cloaked in the error of clericalism seem to brush fraternal correction aside as they rely on their pursuit of power and control over “their” rectory, “their” parish.

Excessive Clericalism results in: “... liturgies being remade in the likeness of the pastor. A true cult of personality emerges, from directives on music to elaborate vestments and liturgical decorations in the Church. All sorts of devotions are practiced in a manner in which the Mass itself is celebrated by the dictates and whims of the priest. The Holy Mass begins to be personalized as the peak of the celebration is his homily, where a celebrity-priest can go and perform,”...rather than point the way to Christ. (http://www.unamsanctamcatholicam.com/liturgy/78- liturgy/311-bxvi-new-clericalism.html)

The effects of clericalism become evident by unrestrained financial shenanigans, cultic practices, and the disenfranchisement of the laity. Staff members and parishioners will be been driven away as a pastor endowed by clericalism wields unchecked power.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6)

The bad idea of clericalism prepositions the ordained and religious as the only one’s “fully Catholic” and we should avoid questioning anything a bishop or priest does. Adopting this misguided posture leads to inertia about reporting clerical abuse. As Church, we need to learn from history to never allow such abuses to flourish and go unreported whether it is to the diocese or in cases of suspected criminal activity to the district attorney.

We need to pray in earnest for the laity and clergy who are under the cloak of clericalism. Having spoken to the faithful who have been disenfranchised from their parishes, I am compelled to speak out and continue to pray for those who have fallen under the error of clericalism.

When we look at Jesus’ interactions with people, we could summarize much of His work, and teaching by saying that He comforted the afflicted, and afflicted the comfortable. As misguided pastors become comfortable with their clericalism, it is our duty to bring their wayward practices to light, first directly to them in charity and fraternal correction. If their behavior goes unamended, then to the Vicar for resolution.

Fear seems to be a common denominator as ministry leaders seem to be held captive as no one dares to speak about the “Elephant in the Room”. As the tactics of the divide, conquer and lord over parishioners become evident, the clericalist will assume a narcissist posture, believing he is above any rules or correction. Unsuspecting parishioners, hopeful to gain favor with the pastor will become unwitting participants in “protecting” the pastor’s misguided actions.

Mark P. Shea, a popular Catholic writer and speaker summarize clericalism this way:

“The error of clericalism (and its real desire) is not ministry, but power. Clericalists, both lay and ordained, see the priesthood as a place of power, and hunger for it. But Jesus saw the priesthood as a place of service. So does the Holy Church. That is why the sacrament of Holy Orders is described by the Catechism as a “sacrament at the service of communion.””

As the struggle against clericalism continues, I gained a new perspective from J.R.R Tolkien:

“What punishments of God are not gifts?”

I see Clericalism as a detriment to the Church and paradoxically, I can see it as a blessing, and a gift. We are called to act on social justice with charity. Recognizing power unchecked, both the laity and the clergy have an obligation to act and right the ship, saving souls in the process.

When obstacles arise in life, and in the life of the Church we are called to action, and help our misguided brothers and bring them back to the right path. In pointing to the abuses of clericalism we are professing our fidelity to the Holy Church and our call to return all to the Good News and Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have our mission and command from Christ:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I command you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt. 28:18-20.

By the anointing of our Baptism, we are sent on a mission to make disciples, baptize and teach.

What has started out like a cross, should lead us to resurrection. When clericalism seeks to divide, we need to unite and call out for justice, with a loving hand of charity.

When we booked our cruise, I had confidence in the cruise company, even though we had heard of the various mishaps at sea on cruise ships over the years. Prevalent on our trip, were procedures directed by the company regarding hand washing before each buffet station and restaurant. Purell stations seemed to be everywhere to help combat bacterial and viral infections which could cripple the inhabitants of any ship.

As we raise our voices in prayer and as we petition the authorities, let us remain hopeful that corrective action may come to the weary and wellness to those afflicted in error.

Through trials and tribulations both within the Church and in the world, we should put our trust in Jesus. It is Jesus who built the ship of the Church, He is her foundation and guide.

I understand the perils of the human condition, where the pursuit of power can corrupt any institution. However, I also understand that our metal is often tried in the fires of tribulation as our edges are sharpened for action. As we all hope for “Harmony of the Seas”.