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Faith such as this....

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RaulG
 
Joined in 2010
March 1, 2012, 12:18

Querido Familia,


At first, we look at this article and see a story of woe that many of us know all too well:


http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/29/10541571-woman-priest-denied-me-communion-at-moms-funeral-because-im-gay


But in that pain we see an outpouring of love from the Body of Christ:


“Shunning a grieving daughter at her mother’s funeral is a heartless act that violates the great commandment Jesus gave us to love God and love our neighbor. When judgment trumps compassion the Gospel is lost. My heart goes out to a lesbian daughter who loved her mom enough to eulogize her while enduring such unfaithful actions,” said Rev. Troy Plummer, executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network with United Methodist Church.


Added Dr. Michael Adee, executive director of More Light Presbyterians: “We grieve that this daughter and her family experienced judgment rather than grace and care. We cannot imagine how a priest or pastor could fail to provide pastoral care during the funeral of a loved one.”



“In my years as a priest, I have encountered many pastoral situations and know that kindness to those experiencing personal loss is a necessary part of the Church’s call to charity,” said the letter, signed by Rev. Barry Knestout of the archdiocese. “The fact that you did not experience this is a cause of great concern and personal regret to me. It is understandable that you and your family would expect the funeral of your mother to be a time of fond remembrance of her life and comfort from the Church in the midst of family grief.”


…and a demonstration of great personal strength and faith from Mrs. Johnson herself:



I have gotten email upon email saying, ‘I’m not going back,’ and I say, ‘Please go back, because that man does not represent the Catholic Church.’ My mother loved the Catholic Church, and if she loved it, it was good.”



“I’ve had a very rich and complex relationship with the Catholic church. As an adult, being a lesbian presents conflicts with one’s spirituality. I’ve been fortunate particularly in the last several years – I’ve received Communion every time I’ve gone to church,” she said.


Yours In Christ,


Raul



Ann Maree
 
Joined in 2008
March 1, 2012, 18:07

Hi Raul

Lovely to hear from you again! 🙂

Thanks for sharing this. I find it very comforting and encouraging to know that there are good people who understand the true call of the gospel and real spirituality and act in line with this. Their actions of love stand out against the darkness all the more.

Blessings,

Ann Maree


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