Though it was just another "appointment," one of countless appointments I have had with parishioners over th 32 years of my priesthood, this one has stayed with me.  This parishioner was distraught because a priest who he had known and respected for many years had recently been credibly accused of sexual crimes against minors.  This priest had done so much "good" in his priesthood that it was hard to believe that he had done something this "bad."  It was a hard pill to swallow for this parishioner, and it was leading him to have doubts in his faith life and even doubts about God.  I tried to help him through this difficulty (as I'm sure many priests and professionals have been and are doing with people who find out a priest they have admired has sinned gravely) and at some point, I invited him to give thanks for all the good GOD was able to accomplish through this fallible, sinful instrument over the years of his priesthood.  The works of God are many and bear much fruit in spite of the weaknesses of the instruments and recipients of His grace.  St. Paul says, "We must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil."  (2 Corinthians 5:10)  Everyone, including priests, will have to answer for both the good and the bad they've done in their lives.  The bottom line is:  Justice will prevail in the courts of God.  Thanks be to God for us and for all sinners that Jesus showed us God is loving and merciful and will surely remember the good that priests and everyone has done through the power of God's grace.

I believe I was able (through God's grace) to lead the distraught parishioner who had come for help, to focus more (I hope) of his attention on the God who accomplishes so much good for us and others in spite of the very fallible instruments that he uses every day.  When we focus too much on the bad, we stay in the dark.  When we are led to focus on the good that happens to us (and hopefully through us) we stay in the light, which is a great way to live!