I had never heard the word, “Clericalism” before. Until Pope Francis began using it to give his view on the root cause of the clergy sexual abuse scandal. So, I looked into what this concept referred to. It can be defined in a few different ways. Pope Francis was using the word to mean “Clericalism is a disordered attitude toward clergy, an excessive deference and an assumption of their moral superiority. “
What follows this attitude is the idea that “clericalism assumes that many of the laity are simply incapable of really understanding the Church’s teachings or are incapable of living up to them when the demands are high. ” (Quotes from Mark Pilon writing for The Catholic Thing)
While the origin of the abuse scandal goes beyond this idea of clericalism, in my opinion, there is no doubt that having a sense of superiority or dominance over others can result in more serious sin. How even small, non-repentant venial sins can magnify into mortal sins. We saw an example of this in one of the readings from last week where Joseph’s brother’s jealousy of Joseph led to their plotting to kill him and ultimately selling him off in slavery.
This sense of superiority shows itself today in Luke’s Gospel in the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector. At face value it would have been obvious to the crowds present at the time Jesus was telling this story that the tax collector is the villain in the story. We know what the people thought of tax collectors. Even Jesus used them in his parables as examples of despicable behavior. Pharisees were the scholars of the day, and upheld the principles of Judaism in the face of Roman occupation. They would have been admired and revered by the Jews. But as Jesus is so well known for, he turns things upside down to make a point. The perceived piety of the Pharisee is revealed to be more prideful than pious. His focus is on himself. On his own attributes to show contrast with the sinner that is the tax collector. He offers no sacrifice to make up for sin…because, in his view, there is no sin to atone for. In this way, he sees himself as separate from sinners. Higher in virtue.
In contrast, the tax collector IS a sinner, and readily admits to it. Because of his self-awareness, and his humility, he asks God for forgiveness. It is like not being able to get over an addiction until you admit to being an addict. And as always we look to Jesus’ attitude as a clue to how we should behave. Where the Pharisee separates himself from sinners, Jesus welcomes in the sinner. He dines with them. He walks with them.
Why else would the Pharisee not ask God for forgiveness? Why would he not show the humility of the tax collector…of the child…of blind beggar….the leper? The Pharisee was the religious rock star. He was the highly paid athlete of his day. He was above the others…the sinners. No need for forgiveness if you don’t sin. Clericalism. Pharisaic Clericalism.
The sense of self importance leads to the greater sin of the Pharisee. It leads to the greater sin of abuse by some of today’s clergy. At the root is our separation from God. And separation from God is what leads to greater sin. Humility is the key. Humility puts ourselves into proper relationship with God. And it is this relationship that allows us to ask for forgiveness and accept God’s mercy.
