Preaching Life
Amy Welborn posts about the U.S. Catholic Bishops annual conference in Baltimore. Several of her commenters question the near-absence of preacing in the U.S. about contraception, Humanae Vitae, or even JPII's Theology of the Body. Other's recount negative experiences when these issues are addressed. Here's the experience of one priest:
I read with some interest the remarks concerning priests preaching/teaching or not preaching/teaching on contraception. I am reminded of the scene in the film "Mass Appeal" where Jack Lemon addresses his parishoners in tears trying to explain why he did not always preach the truth to them. He said, "I just wanted you to like me!" A great temptation, especially for a man who has given up intimacy of marriage in order to serve the People of God.
I preach the truth of Humanae Vitae at least twice a year. I would prefer not to. I would prefer that people like me. I do so in as gentle and understanding a way as I can manage. People are always angry. The first time I preached on this subject was the first year I was ordained. I was gentle and told them that my love for them required that I share with them the truth. I was physically assaulted after Mass. Fortunately some teenagers were present and restrained the two gentlemen. Afterwards the teens asked me why people were so angry. My only response was that they had been lied to for a very long time.
I would say that if you preach the Gospel and no one ever gets angry then you're probably not doing it right. That thought doesn't make it any easier. I do not condemn my brothers for being silent. It's not commendable but I certainly undertand where it comes from.
I also find it interesting that some who criticize their priests seem to think that if only someone would preach the truth then everyone would believe. If that were true then my work would have been done some years ago. Yes, priests and bishops are sometimes cowardly. Quess what? Sometimes, so are the faithful.