A few years ago, when the news broke of sexual scandals of some Catholic priests, a certain man was publicly berating all priests, even on occasion during Holy Mass. This angered me to the point that I had to bring it to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A holy priest I knew was hearing Confessions that day. With peaceful calmness, he quietly mentioned that it is a spiritual work of mercy to bear wrongs patiently, which in turn could be offered up as reparation to God and for all impacted by scandal.

I considered this holy priest to be, like Moses, "by far the meekest man on the face of the earth" (Nm 12:3). When wrongly rebuked, he responded by praying for the healing of his tormentor.

Moses prayed for Miriam after she accused him, and she was healed (Nm 12:13ff). Jesus prayed and suffered for His accusers, and those who repented and received Him were given eternal life in Him. He "bore wrongs patiently" and achieved the greatest work of mercy ever, dying for His enemies (see Rm 5:8-10).

Many religious sisters, brothers, and priests have dedicated their lives to making acts of reparation. Yet in America vocations, and thus repairers, are not increasing as fast as is needed. Perhaps this has resulted in the increase of sin, partly due to some brokenness not being repaired. There's a large backlog in God's repair shop, and He's always hiring. Who will work for Jesus by doing His repair work with patience, grace, and mercy? Be a "repairer of the breach" (Is 58:12). "Repair the house of your God" (2 Chr 24:5).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 27, 2017

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