Disrespect to God's Ministers?

Disrespect to God’s Ministers?

As a rhetorical definition we could say probably; as a question the response is a definite yes.  There was a time in Church history when priests and religious were looked up to with respect that placed them at a parallel with that of Christ.  What we can see now is with so much competition in the secular world that puts money and status ahead of human capabilities where the person no longer has a quality of respect.  

There was a period of time when families who were Christian oriented and especially Roman Catholic promoted the priesthood in their family discussions.  Most Catholics prayed the rosary together and entering their homes you could tell they were Catholic with a crucifix on the wall in a conspicuous place.   How many Catholic homes have a crucifix exposed, if they have one at all?  This has become an accepted manner in most modern homes.  What, you want me to hang an image of a gruesome event that is almost 2,000 years from the past?  Get with it you purveyor of old fashioned religious symbols that no longer hold the interest of modern-day young families.  

Take a look at how people looked at religion in the time of Jesus’ ministry;  What kind of wisdom has been given him  What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!  Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon?  And are not his sisters here with us?  And they took offense at him.  Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.”  

(Mk 6: 2 - 4).    

It is easy to see how many women’s religious have stopped wearing religious garb and many choose to live in the communities rather than convents.  It places them in the center of those whom they have dedicated themselves to serve.  In some ways they have donned street dress which puts the citizens at ease  

However, there still exists the need for people to identify with the clergy and show some respect for what they have given up for their neighbors and parishioners.  

It begins to appear that the common respect we find in our churches today is from a few parishioners and their peers who wear the Roman collar.   

When I was stationed in Midland, Texas at St. Annes, there were more than a couple who asked me to bless their homes.  Lately, back in Pittsburgh, a couple of family members said they received a paper that stated it was a home blessing for them.  What happened to a real clergyman actually blessing their homes?  Perhaps they will accept a paper that goes into some drawer in the dining room, never to be looked at again.  A relative who is ordained is just that.  Nothing more!  Are we also like Jesus when our relatives and friends just pass us off as nill?

Ralph B.Hathaway