The mistake of Fr. Hans Magdurulang was simply the translation of good intentions into effective action. He meant well but did not perform as well as intended. For that, he received enough bashings. I hope that by now, enough is enough, that a less than perfect performance can be excused as we excuse our own less than perfect performance. At the same time, the incident is reflective of a Church whose pastors need more time and practice in emceeing before large crowds. For too long, the Church had taken on the posture that the audience should simple listen and agree with what bishops, priests, religious leaders, and even leaders of Catholic lay communities say. That posture is I know more than you or I am holier than you. Times are changing, and Pope Francis knows just how powerfully times are changing, and he immediately asked his bishops and priests to go to the people, go to the people. So simple an admonition will not be understood quickly, or obeyed completely. Tradition has a way of resisting change, even with good intentions. Fr. Hans Magdurulang says he has no Facebook or Twitter account. But if he has friends who have, they may find it in them to send this post to him, with my message. He has quickly admitted his shortcoming, and it is but a shortcoming. He has become bigger man, a better person with his humility. He learns fast, maybe faster than many of those who bashed him. I pray he will do much better in the future.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 02:44:32 +0000
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