Msgr. Pope on Loves, Laments, and the Church

"As a priest and pastor I work very closely with others: clergy, religious, laity who work for the Church, and laity who volunteer. We all work for the Church because we love her and her people.

"At times, though, there is disappointment, hurt, or even disillusionment. Perhaps these feelings result from issues in the wider Church. . . . Perhaps they are the result of local problems found in any group of human beings: gossip, hurtful actions, hypocrisy, power struggles, misplaced priorities, favoritism, and injustice.

"Alas, such hopes are usually dashed quickly. We are, after all, running a hospital of sorts; and just as hospitals tend to attract the sick, so the Church attracts sinners and those who struggle. Jesus was often found in strange company, so much so that the Pharisees were scandalized. He rebuked them by saying, People who are well do not need a doctor, sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not the righteous (Mk 2:17)."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the pains and hopes encountered by those who work for the Church .

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: Love and Lament Alike - A Brief Reflection for All Who Care About the Church (29 AUG 22)