Besides the obvious relevance to our situation of today’s Gospel with regard to those who harm or scandalize little ones - “it would be better for him if a large millstone were put around his neck and thrown into the sea” - we can garner other important lessons.

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.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?”

Dear Friends, "Thus says the LORD: Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared.”

In the wake of the Pennsylvania abuse report, we are newly shocked at the allegations against our Holy Father Pope Francis, and a number of other bishops, regarding their alleged failure to act when they knew of Cardinal McCarrick’s depraved abuses. In the weeks and months that follow, we will hear much back and forth between bishops, lay faithful, popular speakers, etc. Much of this discussion has already devolved into the “liberal-versus-conservative” rhetoric that we should all despise. This is not the time for ideology. It is the time to desire the truth, and nothing less.