Treasures

During Lent we highlight sin and the need for repentance and forgiveness.   What about corruption?  There is a difference described by Austen Ivereigh in his article Has the Pope Been Too Hard on Traditionalists? published in the March 22 issue of Commonweal.

(begin) While sin is forgiven, corruption cannot be forgiven for at the root of corruption is a refusal of God’s forgiveness.  The corrupted person or organization sees no need for repentance, and their sense of self-sufficiency gradually comes to be regarded as natural and normal.  

Unless corrected the corruption deepens over time, for the corrupt, far from being in reality self-sufficient, are in fact slaves to a “treasure” that has conquered their hearts – e.g., money, power, honor, or privilege.  To conceal this enslavement, the corrupt energetically cultivate an appearance of righteousness and good manners.  Always justifying themselves, they finally become convinced of their own moral superiority.

Conversely, the sinner – even when not ready to repent – knows that he is a sinner and yearns to through himself on God’s mercy.  This is the key distinction: the sinner remains, however obscurely and unconsciously, open to grace, while the corrupt deny that they sin.  Enclosed by their pride, they shut out the possibility of grace. (end)

There are many corrupt politicians in governments home and abroad. They are slaves to “treasure.”  A danger lies in their belief that they are morally superior.  Similarly, there are many corrupted religious officials and figures having the same feeling of moral superiority.  Fortunately, Pope Francis is aware, hence, the Synod.  For example, he has frequently ordered abusive and corrupt religious communities to be investigated or even closed down.

This Lent and throughout the year, Satan tempts us with “treasures.”  Will we “enrich” ourselves or decide to go the way of Jesus?

Deacon David Pierce