There’s a Liturgy War in the Catholic Church.
On one side are the Traditionalists. On the other are the Modernists. In short, Traditionalists are usually Ultra-Right. Modernists are most often Ultra-Left. In the middle are the A&Pers, Cafeteria Catholics, and the now infamous Nones.
Then there are folks like us.
Loyalists to the living Magisterium and Apostolic Tradition on Faith and Morals who are stuck somewhere in liturgical limbo. We accept the changes in the Mass since Vatican II. All we ask for our loyalty is a more bit of Latin, here and there, and the return of reverence in Mass — especially reverence to the Eucharist.
Though this is not a knock on the clergy, the truth of the matter is that reverence for the Eucharist starts and ends with the clergy. So, when we get it, we are drawn to that reverent priest like a magnet to metal.
So, we became somewhat overly excited when a new priest entered the fold who is a most reverent celebrant. News spread among us. Weekly, we began checking the Mass schedule and adjusting our schedule, when possible, to be led in prayer by this holy priest.
Trust me, I struggled with this “priest preference” as well and have brought this struggle into the confessional.
Then, just last week, my wife received a text from one of the moms in our home school groups which read, “Did you hear about Father…?” It was Sunday and we were just leaving Mass at a neighboring parish which has a late Sunday Mass. (So, we don’t follow our reverent celebrant religiously.)
It took some time for my wife to get an answer to her inquiry so we do what most people do and speculated on what might be.
First, we thought that he was transferred. “The Good Ones” as we call them, don’t stay very long in our area – especially the young “Good Ones.” Next, we thought that Father may have fallen — again.
You see, this wonderfully reverent priest had suffered from addiction. Or should I say “suffers”? — because in reality the addiction, though controlled, never goes away.
Sadly, he became addicted to painkillers. I don’t mind mentioning it because he was very open about it and often brought it up at the pulpit. Oh, there was something else about this holy and reverent priest, his homilies were amazing!
Personally, I have great sympathy for those who sadly get hooked on prescription drugs. My Aunt, who I loved, died because some doctor got her hook on oxycontin. The same doctor did the same to two of my cousins.
Both still suffer the effects of their additions.
Today, one cousin is now in hospice. We converse often as she prepares for the inevitable. The other has been told to prepare for hospice. None three of these fallen beloveds willfully sought out drugs for recreational use from some dealer on a street corner.
The drugs were prescribed!
Likewise, our beloved priest, a reverent man who brought many into the bosom of the Church and the arms of Christ, became addicted … recovered … and has again, recently, fallen.
“We need to pray Father,” I mentioned before grace. “Satan goes after all our priests, but he really attacks the Good Ones.”
The next day, after I came home from work, my wife greeted me with a kiss. After I took off my shoes and got settled, I return to the kitchen to finish our conversation.
“I was thinking about what you said last night about Father…,” she said. “I feel like sending him a Get-Well card and writing in,
“Congratulations, the Devil punched you in the face because you’re on the right path.”
“You should,” I added.
Maybe she will. Maybe she won’t. My wife is a supporting spouse and homeschool mom who has her own business. So, I’m telling the world for her, just in case she never gets a chance to.
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James is the author of Corporation YOU: A Business Plan for the Soul, The Christmas Save, and two children’s books: The Second Prince and Klaus: The Gift-giver to ALL!
As a writer, James’s appearances include Newsweek, The Inside Success Show, Bob Salter (CBS Radio), Mike Siegel, Mancow, and more.
Beyond writing, James worked with At-Risk youth in Southern California for over six years. His contributions to the classroom — featured on local television and in the LA Daily News and the Los Angeles Times’ Burbank Leader — earned him the honors of “Teacher of the Year”. James was also twice honored by a CASDA Scholar as the teacher who had the greatest influence on that student. As an educator, James also appeared twice on America Live with Megyn Kelly.
Today, James lives in New York where he continues to teach — and write. Besides his books, you can follow his musing on this blog Corporation You.
To contact James or book an interview, please contact Mark of Goldman/McCormick PR at (516) 639-0988 or Mark@goldmanmccormick.com.
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