FATHER WILLIAM SCHOOLER
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018
A few weeks ago, on July 29, we heard the account in the Gospel of Saint John of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. With five barley loaves and two fish, Jesus fed 5,000 people! In the following Sundays, we have continued to hear from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John the “Bread of Life” discourse. On this final Sunday of the “Bread of Life” discourse, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. They could not accept that he is the living bread come down from heaven. They could not believe that eating his flesh and drinking his blood would bring them eternal life. As we celebrate our patronal feast day centered around the celebration of the Eucharist, we respond as Simon Peter did: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
Peter’s response can help us as we take in the news of the Grand Jury Report on sexual abuse in six Pennsylvania dioceses. The report was both appalling and heartbreaking. It brought up many of the questions and feelings that emerged in 2002 when the clergy abuse scandal emerged in Boston. Because Bishop Rhoades was the Bishop of Harrisburg before being named to be our Bishop, his name has been raised in the report. Bishop Rhoades conducted a press conference in Fort Wayne on August 17. In that press conference, he explained what he has done to address the abuse and protect those who have suffered abuse. You can read his statement
HERE
,
in
this week's bulletin,
or by following the link below.
He has also decided to release the names of all priests who have been credibly accused of abuse in our Diocese. Expressing sympathy and support to the victims and their families, he hopes that the innocent victims of these horrific and heartbreaking crimes can finally begin the process of healing. In praying for and supporting the victims, we can also echo Peter’s response. Even in the midst of sin and scandal, we respond, “Master to whom shall we go?”
Read Fr. Bill's homily from August 25-26
HERE
.
