We Affect the World by Our Shortcomings

Recently, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI released a statement regarding his role in the sexual abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church. I encourage everyone to read the statement. What I would like to talk about in this blog post, however, is the last paragraph of the statement. It reads, 

“Quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life. Even though, as I look back on my long life, I can have great reason for fear and trembling, I am nonetheless of good cheer, for I trust firmly that the Lord is not only the just judge, but also the friend and brother who himself has already suffered for my shortcomings, and is thus also my advocate, my ‘Paraclete.’ In light of the hour of judgment, the grace of being a Christian becomes all the more clear to me. It grants me knowledge, and indeed friendship, with the judge of my life, and thus allows me to pass confidently through the dark door of death. In this regard, I am constantly reminded of what John tells us at the beginning of the Apocalypse: he sees the Son of Man in all his grandeur and falls at his feet as though dead. Yet He, placing his right hand on him, says to him: “Do not be afraid! It is I…” (cf. Rev 1:12-17).

One of the central tenets of Christianity is that the lives we live are distorted by the sins we and others commit. Being pro-life comes with the commitment of helping those who have faced the fallout of this sinful world. The first group that comes to mind are the refugees who have fled their country because of certain death by the ruling authorities there. Yet, pro-lifers are also called like Benedict XVI to be of good cheer. We know that life, despite its challenges, is still worth living and still has beauty and joy to offer us. I am reminded of the beautiful things in my own life: attending the Washington National Cathedral on a warm Sunday morning, walking along the Georgetown waterfront, and watching sacrifices I have made pay off. It is the reality of every person that we will face death’s door just as the pope emeritus is facing right now. The pro-life mentality is that the experiences of existence made that journey to the door well worth the wait. A final entreaty to my siblings in Christ: we should aspire to have his holiness’s perspective on meeting Christ, fear for our unworthiness, but trust in His love and mercy. 

-Jacob Adams