Wayward Shepherds, Scattered Sheep

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God rebuked the shepherds of Israel for their false teaching and bad example. (Jer 23:1-6) They allowed the sheep to stray and substituted their own opinions for God’s covenant, resulting in error and confusion. When Jesus came centuries later, the people were scattered like sheep without a shepherd. He loved them … Read more

Pastoral Incoherence

The Church in America is in the midst of a controversy over so-called “Eucharistic coherence.”  The debate focuses on the duties of the faithful (especially politicians) in receiving Holy Communion and of the bishops in overseeing that reception.  While the issue is vital, it’s symptomatic of a graver, half-century-old crisis that, like many family dysfunctions, … Read more

Rome Failed on McCarrick – and Needs to Change

Representatives of the American bishops have now met with Pope Francis to discuss the much-needed investigation of the McCarrick Affair. This is understandable since any process involving the ex-cardinal and other prelates requires papal permission. It’s one thing to ask the pope’s support for an investigation, however, and quite another to trust Vatican officials to … Read more