Dear Friends,
 
The First Reading, unfortunately, could be a transcript of our thoughts sometimes:
 
The wicked say:
Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;
he sets himself against our doings,
reproaches us for transgressions of the law
and charges us with violations of our training.
Let us see whether his words be true;
let us find out what will happen to him.
For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend him
and deliver him from the hand of his foes.
With revilement and torture let us put the just one to the test
that we may have proof of his gentleness
and try his patience.
Let us condemn him to a shameful death;
for according to his own words, God will take care of him.
 
In other words, we are uncomfortable when in the presence of a truth or a person that makes us realize we are in the wrong. We would rather hide the truth rather than suffer the realization that we must change. 
 
This is the sin of the priests and bishops that chose to abuse and cover up abuse. While that is an extreme example, it is nevertheless an example of what can happen if we live in the darkness, if we choose ourselves over the truth. May we pray for the virtue of humility and a love for the truth, so that we may be lights shining in the terrible darkness of our time.
 
In Christ, Fr Marotti