Betrayal

This morning as I prepared to face the day, my mind continually drifts back to the news that came out yesterday regarding a former teacher of mine in high school. Honestly, I'm not sure why I'm surprised that even in the seeming innocence of youth, I was around an environment of mistrust, deceit, and evil. Classmates of mine were molested by a teacher and coach. This was from a man who was highly respected and trusted, and a man who eventually went on to become 3rd in line for the presidency.


Once again, we learn of the abuse years after the fact. We learn of the horrific scars left behind by this mistrust. We learn that at least in one case, it led to suicide. It leaves me feeling tired. Betrayed. Saddened that sin reigned so freely in what I once thought was one of the more pure or innocent times of life. And I cannot even begin to imagine how the weariness I feel from it all is magnified by those who were the real victims.


No, I am not naming him here. Many of you reading this, especially my high school classmates, know who this is about. Who it is does not matter in the end. What does matter is the actions themselves, as they demonstrate yet again just how broken, how evil, and how twisted our society and our thinking have become. The stunning hypocrisy appears everywhere: everyone (and I do mean everyone) that comments on this is angry, mad, calling for his blood, and so on. And yet as a society we are currently debating on whether or not a biological male has the right to use a female bathroom all because he feels he's female. It is our leftist policies that have put us into this mess, and by leftist, I do not necessarily equate them with liberal, but rather with the intent to purge God, morality, and virtue from our society. And so yes, it leaves me worn out, dejected, tired, and even depressed at where we are going from here, because I see such things only happening and being exposed more and more frequently if we continue down this path.


Yes, he should face punishment. Yes, he should face the kind of punishment that he, himself, advocated as a lawmaker. Yes, once again it is proven that there is no such thing as innocence in life. And yes, we must all temper the absolute division and hatred that comes out in the face of such evil. And once again, I must appeal to the only thing that can overcome that dark evil that went on in the hallways of Yorkville high school. Only Christ overcomes. Not fines. Not penalties. Not calls for blood. Only the blood already shed by Christ Jesus can offer the hope for the future. It does not undo the past, but it provides a way to move forward. It makes no pretension that such abuses never occurred, but offers a hope for a brighter future ahead. And no matter how evil are the deeds of him who abused these young men, we must all remember, as St. Paul reminds us: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground..."


This is what I'm reflecting on today. May we all seek the greater virtue and good to be found in knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. But not just knowing him - following him as well.