Being Accountable

Everyone is accountable to someone positively or unwillingly.

Youngsters may not appreciate being limited by time constraints to report to mom and dad, or, home, at least. 

Some workers would rather be without constraints, and, a boss holding her or him accountable.

Take for example, the Vatican order Wednesday to overhaul the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, based in Silver Spring, Maryland.

After an extensive investigation, Catholic Church officials called into church accountability "radical feminist themes" that questioned official policy on the doctrinally-cemented, and forbidden, ordination of women, and, the LCWR's "pastoral"  posture on homosexuality.

The 1,500 member organization reportedly represents 80 % of the 57,000 women religious in the U.S.

A wise elder mentioned to me last Saturday at the Men's Conference at Oakland University in Rochester, MI.,  the original meaning of the word, communion.  Derived from municipality, Father Philip, confidently asserted, "Municipal government glues together cities and towns."  By implication, the Franscisan pastor noted that residents have to be in communion with the municipal  leadership to make the system work.

Similarly, accountability is critical.

Yet, is questioning of a parent by a teen, in the home, for example, unwelcomed?

To line up with official teaching and positions, can one remain accountable and still ask questions about revered and respected traditions?

Perhaps, among the best examples of accountability emerge from Alcoholics Anonymous, a worldwide organization of members coping with maintaining recovery from attachment disorders that Saints Theresa of Avila, and John of the Cross, in 16th-century Spain, addressed.

In the weekly meetings of A.A, in edifice basements and backrooms, irregular participants are called into account when absent.

"We missed you at our meeting last week?"

"Recovery works if you work the 12 Steps, you know!"

Questions such as those spout and keep this cherished gift of Western spirituality vital and fruitful to those who relish sobriety that reeked and destroyed countless families, once upon a time.

Christ's mind requires morphing of every Christian's heart each day.

Holy communion requires the municipal membership the "good pastor" recalled in conversation of lunch a week ago at the men's conference that drew over 500 guys, among them many morphing their minds and hearts in celebration of reconciliation or confession during the hyped and pep-rally-like talks given by noted Catholic speakers.

It was clear to me that these penitents honored their communion with the Catholic Church.  Perhaps most members do.  I do.

Like youngters, who have to practice obedience at school, membership means much more than simply refraining from acting outside of established teaching.  Membership makes one accountable to the common good established by Vatican II, for example, the ecumenical conclave that started 50 years ago this September, in 1962-65.  Scripture and tradition matter much. Fresh air marked the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. This vital organism changed, or, may have diminished. All organism must grow, or, suffer death.  That's a principle worth savoring daily as one morphs and mends.

How to moderate questions, however, at home in a family, is a delicate dialog, like those asked by members of the Catholic Church who love the People of God.

Abandoning or throwing out erring members, however, may not work as it thins out the pews, and, reasonable, tolerant and the considerate Catholic Communion these days. Telling priests who have been allegedly accused of sin "to find a good lawyer and distance yourself from us," only throws them back to prey on youngsters, if, in fact they are pathological pedophiles.  Redemption requires working with the worst of us.  Jesus proved, but, moreso showed that in his huge heart of forgiveness and compassion beyond legal advisers these days whispering into officials ears telling them what to say. 

Cardinal Bernadin, who was falsely accused knew what to say when legal advice wanted to reign above the teachings of Jesus. In fact, he was proved innocent by the man dying of A.I.D.S. Parishioners lined the streets of the mass transit that the good Cardinal rode with the People of God as his body was carried to be buried in its human imperfection.  A Gospel-driven Church moves beyond money that fuels Her so often, it seems.

Prayer and fasting has proven an effective and pastoral  way of resolving issues.

And, taking time, to be pastorally pro-actively present to all members, rather than only reacting is a pastoral approach that beats efficiency that tends to rule many meetings of minds and hearts these days.

Humans require the love that Jesus showed and preached that surpasses any political party.

After all, that's what Catholics do best in love for each other at daily Mass, and more, isn't it?