The former most senior Catholic cleric in Great Britain, Cardinal Keith O’Brien is a hypocrite. A hypocrite is an actor; a person who wears a mask and portrays a character that may or may not connect to the person's internal life. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus used the word hypocrite to refer to the Pharisees (Mt 23:13).Cardinal Keith O'Brien and others in the Catholic hierarchy are today's modern day Pharisees. Cardinal Keith O’Brien was named "Bigot of the Year" for his fight against same-sex marriage at the annual Stonewall Awards in the UK. However, in late March he resigned after a group of Scottish priests accused him of inappropriate homosexual behavior 30 years ago. Cardinal Keith O'Brien was even in a 'longstanding physical relationship' with one of the priest despite his outspoken views on homosexuality, which he had called a 'moral degradation'.
Jesus warned his followers against all kinds of hypocrisy for effect and social approval, including giving alms, praying, and fasting (Mt 6:1-18). He warned against the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring one's own faults (Mt 7:1-5). A lesson Cardinal Keith O'Brien clearly missed in his priestly formation.
The Pharisee were rabbis, scribes, and doctors of the Law of Moses who worked among the people to teach the fullness of the Torah, the prophets, and the traditions of the Jewish faith. During the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes (167 BC) when Antiochus forbade the practice of their religion, it would be the Pharisee that would preserve the Law for future generations.
Jesus himself was a Pharisee and there were Pharisees whom Jesus considered honorable. Jesus called Bartholomew (Also called Nathanael) --who was a Pharisee and doctor of the Law--to be an Apostle (Mt 10:3). Jesus was often found debating the Pharisees because he knew they could create hardship for the people of Israel or lighten their burdens.
Like the Pharisees, there are member of the Roman Catholic hierarchy who are honorable and posses the potential to lighten the burdens of today's society. However, they need our prayers and support if they are to rise up and challenge the status quo, as Jesus challenged his fellow Pharisees. We need to let them know that we support them and will stand with them in the fight for gay equality.
In spite of the church's hypocrites, I hold out hope for it's potential to transform society, as Jesus held out hope for the Pharisees. One day the LGBT community will truly be welcomed. Let us pray for that day.
Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon
Personal Reflection:
Have you ever found yourself being a hypocrite when it came to sexuality with yourself or with others? How did you feel? Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.
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