Yesterday, Palm Sunday, marked the beginning of the holiest week in the Christian calendar. As Catholics, this year we will seem to be walking even closer to Christ than usual as a result of the recent developments out of Europe and the media’s attack on the Catholic Church.

Holy Week is time when Catholics worldwide feel the pain of dying in Christ.

It comes this year as media reports bring up heartrending, often previously published, stories with a new twist – how the Vatican handled the cases. Efforts to link stories to culpable inaction by Pope Benedict XVI cause reasonable people anguish given all that the pope has tried to do to address this crisis…

For many, the emphasis of Holy Week is on Good Friday, a day that’s good not because Jesus died a terrible death that day, but because the death led to His subsequent resurrection. It holds deep meaning for Catholics now who seek meaning from the tragedy of pedophilia.

Pedophilia has had terrible effect on many and reminds us of sinful humanity than is around us and within us. It has made a long Good Friday for many, especially those victimized by this sin and crime. But as the church has learned while dealing with these wounds, as it did with the crucifixion of Jesus, the pain can lead to a church purified of sin.

With the current spate of news stories about inaction in the face of pedophilia, Catholics rightly feel numbness like that of Holy Saturday when the Apostles and followers of Jesus were stunned by the events around them. The message, however, is that Jesus’ death led to new life. The Church is still learning through its pain. The comfort of Christ awaits, which is something victims/survivors need and deserve and something the entire Church, from Pope Benedict to the newest baptized child, can take hope in.

As we journey throughout Holy Week, take some time to reflect on Jesus’ Passion. Recall Jesus’ struggle of carrying the cross and realize that even He needed help carrying it. Recall Jesus’ words: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34 NAB) Most of all, remember that Christ rose from the dead in glory. As in all things, the Church will overcome this struggle. For now, pray for the Pope and the Catholic Church.

SOURCE: USCCB Media Blog | Sr. Mary Ann Walsh

PHOTO SOURCE: AP | BBC News