Our Daily Bread and Atonement for Sexual Abuse

Atonement for the sexual abuse against children in the Catholic church is being attempted. The heinous acts of priests against children made the world stand up and rally against the church. Children are innocent. Being violated by an authority figure you are taught to trust is one of the most horrible crimes imagineable.

Lo, children are an heritage to the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
Psalms 127:3

When we pray the Our Father, we say, "Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Is it possible to forgive someone who used their position to irreparably hurt children?

I think it becomes much more difficult when you see suspected priests being sent to another parish rather than dismissed. Why are the priests being protected rather than the children?

These actions made many question or turn away from the Catholic church. Some argue there are more good priests than bad ones. But how can you be sure which ones to trust? You cannot take chances. The church has lost the trust of its people by shuffling priests to other positions rather than making them pay for their actions.

With atonement in mind, Independent Catholic News reports Bishops in Wales and England are encouraging Catholics to engage in Special Prayer on Fridays in May. The prayer is in reparation and atonement for the sex crimes committed in the Catholic church as follows:

""We invite Catholics in England and Wales to make the four Fridays in May 2010 special days of prayer. Even when we are lost for words, we can place ourselves in silent prayer. We invite Catholics on these days to come before the Blessed Sacrament in our parishes to pray to God for healing, forgiveness and a renewed dedication. We pray for all who have suffered abuse; for those who mishandled these matters and added to the suffering of those affected. From this prayer we do not exclude those who have committed these sins of abuse. They have a journey of repentance and atonement to make.

We pray also for Pope Benedict, whose wise and courageous leadership is so important for the Church at this time."

While this applies to England and Wales, prayer is a positive way to face horrific acts we cannot accept. It gives us an opportunity to pray for those who suffered abuse and acknowledge it was mishandled. Visit Independent Catholic Newsfor additional prayer resources.

As the people in power drop the ball, we often feel angry and powerless. We turn away from the church or attend with a guarded eye and little trust. Bigger than the church itself is our ability to pray. We can acknowledge that failure in prayer and ask God to help those victims find peace. Our relationship with Him is personal. We are responsible for our own actions and responses.

Praying together is one small step in the right direction. Many more steps still need to be made to help the innocent victims and get rid of the perpetrators. Prayer also encourages us to take action. Do we want sexual predators running our congregations? We must continue to speak out and gather in prayer. After all, what would Jesus do?

What do you think of Special Prayer on Fridays in May in reparation and atonement for this sexual crimes? Have you turned away from the church since these acts came to light? Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!