Dear Neocat Priest:

 

For the Priests in the Way:

In John 21, Jesus speaks to Simon Peter saying “Feed my lambs, Tend my sheep, and Feed my sheep”.  Jesus often used sheep and flock in referring to His people.  Notice what Jesus does not say - He doesn’t say "discipline my sheep, beat them, or mistreat them in any way."  You have probably heard throughout your time in the Way, as a layman, seminarian, and now priest multiple tired sayings from lead catechists, one of which is “Sheep are dumb” referring to those you may shepherd.  Although this idea of "stupid sheep" isn’t original or unique to priests in the Way or even Catholic clergy, it is one of the many examples of negative thinking over-emphasized in the Way.  Yes, you have difficult, even awful people to shepherd in your parishes; no matter what the vocation - this is universal. Even very kind people can be difficult on any given day under any given circumstances.  

Try changing your perspective for a moment in regard to those in your care.  Sheep are actually wonderful animals.  Firstly, sheep are easily frightened, not because they’re dumb, but because they know their place, they know they are subject to preying wolves and other predators, and therefore they easily trust their shepherd to guide and protect them.  They are meek and even when struck, they do not fight back; they know their place and willingly submit themselves to the care of their shepherd.  They are often innocent, harmless, and peaceful animals that are content wherever they are placed and make do with what food is before them, even if the pasture is sparse; but they like to be clean and seek out good pasture and clear waters.  Lastly, they are giving: everything about them can be used for the good of the other - their meat, their wool, and their skin.  Do any of these characteristics make you think of your Christian flock? If not, they should. The people in your care are sinners, of course, but it is important to correct them with charity. 

Cynicism is from the devil.  Even your brother in Christ, Fr. Giovanni Capucci, has used this in confirmation homilies. Your flock isn’t going to church to earn their proverbial “I’m a good person” badge. Sometimes their thoughts and intentions aren’t always in the right order; they may be late, distracted, focusing on social aspects, what they’re wearing, or even something as petty as donuts after Mass - but they are there. They could go to many places to feel good about themselves, not have to arrive at a certain time and be social, but they chose to go to church, to worship God with you. Even if within that time they only manage one tiny moment actually doing that, they are there and it is an opportunity to reach them. To find people’s pressure points and what is going on in their lives is something you guys are actually good at.  Everyone is wounded and broken - two words, quite frankly, that are nauseatingly overused in your homilies.  People know their faults far more than you think they do. And if they’re willing to find a way to mend those wounds, will you be merciful or pour salt and lemon juice on it saying “Courage, God loves you”.  

When Jesus met the woman at the well (John 4), did he shout at her angrily telling her all she’d done wrong, and calling her names? Or did He simply state He truly knew her and looked at her lovingly?  Did Jesus point the finger and shout at the adulterous woman (John 8) after everyone left?  Did He even raise His voice at her accusers?  Did He throw her sins at her, or did He treat her with dignity and simply say “Go and sin no more”?  Did Jesus even call out Judas, raise His voice, or point a finger at him? People who recognize the problems theologically or in the practice of the Way are not your Judas - they are still your brothers and sisters in Christ. 

At the Redemptorist Mater Seminary in Denver, and probably all of them, there is a phallic-like sword fountain in the middle of the courtyard symbolizing Matthew 10:34-36.  This passage has been used in the community as an excuse for divisions--whether it’s within families or within the Church, pertaining to those in the community and those who are not.  Would not Jesus have said to Simon Peter, "Sheer my sheep” if He meant for you to come and divide the wool from the lamb? If He meant for you to divide a parish into those in the community and those who are not?  Or was He stating the inevitable fight between good and evil, children of the Light against children of darkness?  In the garden of Gethsemane when Peter took out his sword and struck the soldier, Jesus did not think that was good - He rebuked Peter saying “all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Mt 26:52).  If you have separated your people by siphoning off those who are already in the Church to be in a parallel church within, or worse, pushed away with your judgment those who do not accept this falsehood, because of your unwavering commitment to the Way - you will reap what you have sown.  If you think that this isn’t a common occurrence because of the Neocatechumenal Way in parishes, that is pure delusion. This website exists largely because of this very reason.  

You, dear Father, are highly valuable despite any shortcomings and your sins. What a head game it must be for your role to be so highly recruited and yet so blatantly diluted in your value by the sinfully loquacious Kiko or the Gennarinis and other lay catechists. Despite what they know about you, they really have no power over you. Sure, you are a missionary priest, but ultimately you are a diocesan priest and you answer to the Archbishop.  If you feel some sense of obligation to defend the Way because questioning it is questioning your entire conversion and your priesthood: stop. God finds you and calls you by any means necessary.  Whether you were initially caught up in a World Youth Day Neocat gathering, running to the stage to say yes to the priesthood; or pressured to go or to stay in the seminary; or felt like it was a good choice given all your options from wherever you were, you did make it all the way through seminary even if in some parts (ahem, Guam) it was lax - you have been ordained.  You are important and the reality is that you are incredibly, even gravely, important.  So go and feed your beloved sheep with the goodness of God and regard yourself and the priesthood with the reverence and higher calling that it is.