Jesus' Word for Today's Times

It is so easy to become discouraged over recent scandals involving priests that have been splashed on the front pages of countless newspapers. Many of us, also, are frustrated with priests and bishops who see fit to teach publicly, and privately, things that go against ancient Church teaching. It is confusing and has caused many to loose heart and loose faith.

Jesus knew that His Church would be left in the hands of sinful men. He warned even those in his own time about being brought down spiritually by ignorant or corrupt spiritual leaders. He acknowledges that they are doing wrong, and bids us follow their teachings, but not their actions.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 23: 1-12) Jesus says,

The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.

To Jesus, the "chair of Moses", and by extension, the Chair of Peter and the entire magisterium, means something. Those who speak from that chair are to be followed. We are not to be discouraged to the point of giving up when those who occupy that chair don't seem to be doing the job that they were called to do.

One of the surest signs of a false apparition is a spirit of disobedience. Some people involved with unapproved "seers" refuse to follow the dictates of their local Bishop regarding their "messages", but instead, follow the "apparition's" advice as if consulting a Magic 8 ball.

Today's message is a difficult but pertinent one. Don't let human frailty distract you from God and His message.

For, Jesus said,

I came not to call the just, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 5:32

That includes everyone in the Church, no matter what their position might be.