September 29, 2005
“Denis” recently sent an E-mail about Medjugorje. He was concerned that there are some priests and bishops who appear supportive of the purported apparitions of the Virgin Mary despite the contrary views of the local bishop.
In this regard, it is helpful to keep an old adage in mind; that is, “where there is no law, there’s liberty”. This means both clergy and laity as individuals have the right to their own opinion as to the authenticity of these reported apparitions. While it is true the local bishop does not discern anything supernatural occurring in Medjugorje, his official statements do not extend throughout the universal Church. This means until an official definitive decree comes to us from the “the top”, ultimately from the pope, individuals are free to their own opinion. “Where there is no law, there is liberty”; and at this time, there is no universal law.
It should be noted that historically it is not uncommon for a certain degree of controversy, misunderstanding, bad judgment, and “ecclesiastical injustice” to be made in such cases. Saint Padre Pio, for example, was censured by the Holy Office and was forbidden for a time to publicly celebrate the sacraments. The ever-popular diary of Saint Faustina, “Divine Mercy in My Soul”, was at one time banned. Quite frankly, the list of examples where God’s work was vigorously questioned by man is quite long. This may not be so bad, since nothing tests the truth better than time – and persecution even from “our own”. Things can be a bit up for grabs until an official judgment is signed, sealed, and delivered by the Church’s highest authority.
In Father Benedict Groeschel’s fine book on apparitions and the like entitled, “A Still Small Voice”, he recounts those occasions when even saints “got it wrong”. Yet, when Rome spoke, they were the first to listen and quickly change their opinion! When the Church is silent, we can speak; yet when she speaks, we speak with Her. How foolish it is to start a campaign for some devotion or new mystic without consulting and obeying the Church’s highest office. As a priest I always offer a disclaimer so as to avoid any possibility of leading people astray. For example, when preaching I would say, “It appears that the patient was completely cured through the intercession of...” I’ll tell you my opinion on things in the sacristy – not in the sanctuary. The pulpit isn’t for opinions, but Gospel truth.
So, don’t “go to the guillotine” for things that don’t really matter. If a crazed fanatic put a gun to my head about the validity of some relic or heavenly vision or voice, I might nervously swallow and stammer “w-well, w-what do you think…” However, if it’s about professing the teachings of the Catholic Faith – “Fire away, friend!”
Some years ago, a lady came to me and told me she had held a statue of Our Lady which was weeping. I responded with some interest; then she asked, “Do you believe that a statue can actually cry?” I somewhat dryly replied, “I guess so”. Well, she evidently picked up I wasn’t going head over heels over her mystical encounter, so she bluntly said, “you probably think I’m a nut”. “I don’t think you’re a nut”, I replied, “but let me ask you a question. If you believe the statue was weeping, tell me, why do you think it was weeping?” She said, “I don’t know”. Then I said, “Well, I think with all the evil inflicted upon the innocent in this world, if we who cause this oppression and injustice don’t weep in repentance, the Scriptures say, ‘even the stones will cry out’”. (cf Luke 19:40)
Dear friends of the friars, I know you agree with me that every day we live and breathe is a miracle. The mere fact our eyes can read these words and our brain understand them is a miracle in itself. The supernatural is all about us, is it not? For example, today I held Jesus in my hands, and, like me, some of you also received Him. God comes to earth hidden under the form of wafer and wine – now, here’s something really exciting worthy of facing any guillotine or gun. Yes, I believe! Queen of Peace, pray for us!
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
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