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Wednesday
of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
(Genesis
15:1-12.17-18; Matthew 7:15-20)
Jean Vanier
was often described as a living saint.
He founded a network of small communities aiding the mentally and
physically disabled. He also gave talks
and wrote books on living a gospel-centered life. When his sexual abuse of
several women became known after his death, many were shocked. Is he a prophet in sheep’s clothing of whom
Jesus warns in today’s gospel?
Perhaps,
but like most human situations his life was complex. No one could deny that he helped many people. He also seemed to live very humbly. Moreover, lust, at one time natural and despicable,
has infected many prominent men. On the
other hand, Vanier knowingly manipulated at least six women in the context of
giving spiritual direction.
We must
judge Vanier as greatly flawed. He did
not coincide perfectly with Jesus’ example of a rotten tree because he did
produce some good fruit. We should pray that
his sins be forgiven. In doing that,
however, let us also pray for his victims.
