For the past the several days, social media have been busy presenting the two opposing sides of the same-sex marriage debate after the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of it. I have been asked numerous times for my take on this issue. It should not be a surprise that, as a priest who promised obedience to the teachings of the Church, I will always uphold the Church’s teachings, which come from Christ himself. One of the things that really stuck in my mind and heart six years ago as part of the Priesthood Ordination Rite are these words, “Understand what you do. Imitate what you celebrate. And confirm your life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.” I ponder and reflect on these words regularly to remind myself that my priesthood is not my own, but purely a gift from God. This means that the proclamation of the truth is at the heart of my priestly ministry. But at the same time, the way we are struggling to communicate the truth should be done with great sensitivity, compassion, love and concern for those who don't comprehend the truth that we proclaim. Like the woman with hemorrhages in the Gospel last Sunday, Jesus did not ask or reprimand her on why she only came to him as her last resort, after “exploring all the other remedies/doctors." Jesus did not humiliate her by asking “So, you have explored everything first, and now that you have no other choice, you come to me?”
Instead Jesus acknowledged her faith, even if Christ was not her “first choice.” The most important thing is that she arrived at the truth in the end. As I was reading the various individual statements of the US bishops in light of the same-sex marriage issue, I came across the official statement of the Archbishop of Atlanta, Georgia, Archbishop Wilton Gregory. His message enunciates the formidable and unchanging position of the Church, but at the same time manifests the heart of a good shepherd. I would like to share with you, in whole, his official statement, which resonates what is also in my heart.
“Each U.S. Supreme Court decision that has ever been rendered has resulted in deep disappointment for some people and vindication for others. If we all agreed on the outcomes of these divisive cases, there would simply be no reason for the Court to convene. This most recent decision is no different. By the same token, every court decision is limited in what it can achieve; again, this one is no exception. It does not change the biological differences between male and female human beings or the requirements for the generation of human life, which still demands the participation of both. It does not change the Catholic Church’s teaching regarding the Sacrament of Matrimony, which beautifully joins a man and woman in a loving union that is permanent in commitment and open to God’s blessing of precious new life.
This judgment, however, does not absolve either those who may approve or disapprove of this decision from the obligations of civility toward one another. Neither is it a license for more venomous language or vile behavior against those whose opinions continue to differ from our own. It is a decision that confers a civil entitlement to some people who could not claim it before. It does not resolve the moral debate that preceded it and will most certainly continue in its wake. This moral debate must also include the way that we treat one another – especially those with whom we may disagree. In many respects, the moral question is at least as consequential and weighty as the granting of this civil entitlement. The decision has offered all of us an opportunity to continue the vitally important dialogue of human encounter, especially between those of diametrically differing opinions regarding its outcome.
The decision has made my ministry as a pastor more complex since it demands that I both continue to uphold the teachings of my Church regarding the Sacrament of Matrimony while also demanding that I insist upon respect for the human dignity of both those who approve of the judgment as well as those who may disapprove.”
There is no doubt that the Supreme Court’s decision is deeply troubling and upsetting but, at the same time, I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit will have the final say in the end and will ultimately guide us to the truth. We trust that the Sovereign Lord is ultimately in-charge of the affairs of the world. The process is painful for a lot of us; it is rightly so because of our love for Christ, but let’s not resort to bashing and vile language with those who have not yet seen the light of the Gospel and of the truth. Our unconditional love, compassion, care and concern for everyone is the best route for us to patiently wait for God's illumination on those who are still searching, pondering, and mauling of God’s unchanging truths of who we are as created in his own image and likeness.
– Fr. Cary