Forgotten Truths

Instruct the Ignorant, Admonish the Sinner

BY THOMAS RYDER

A simple gesture of reproach, given charitably, is a spiritual work of mercy and may prevent a soul from committing future sins.

A parish priest once related an incident in which he was distributing Holy Communion to the faithful who knelt along an altar rail. Carefully, reverently, he moved from one end to the other, until he came across a young woman with so little on, that he could not bring himself to administer Our Sacramental Lord to her. As he approached the immodestly clad young woman, he gently skipped her. Not a word was spoken.

The following day, a knock sounded on the rectory door. Opening it, the parish priest found that the same young woman stood before him. She made no sign that she wished to enter, but instead began speaking. “Father, I don’t want to come in. I came here to tell you that I know exactly why you denied me Communion yesterday, and I want to thank you for it.” With those words, she wished the priest good day and departed. This reaction was highly unexpected, but the priest praised God for having touched a soul in such a way.

And so, a silent instruction conveyed the correct message. It may have prevented many more sins which could potentially bring a soul to lose itself. It may have also prevented disastrous ripple effects of those sins—namely, sins of lust.

Currently in our country, there is a major discussion regarding whether or not pro-abortion politicians should be allowed to receive the Holy Eucharist. The discussion itself is shocking, for Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly commanded His disciples to “go forth and preach to all nations.” Preach what? The answer is, preach the Truth.

It is a great misfortune that the faithful suffer the misguidance of those who are called to teach and preach the truth. This reticence to instruct and admonish the faithful has its result in mass confusion, with lamentable eternal consequences.

Why do priests, the ministers of Christ, not teach the Truth? Why do they fear the immoral and perverse culture of our day, which has infiltrated their flock? Have they forgotten to practice the Spiritual Works of Mercy, “Instruct the Ignorant” and “Admonish the Sinner”? For their sakes and ours, let us hope they will remember their duty. ■