Most of my seminarians believe and are firmly convinced that as priests, when encountered with some difficulty brought forth to their kind consideration, all they have to do is this: dole out some advice (say something) with two to three Biblical verses (with reference as icing). That done, the problem is solved and everyone is happy!
However, my guys fail to see the indepth values and the subsequent demands this ministry makes on us. They need to realise that a mere blah-blah with a verse added as decoration and delivered with a dramatic flair and all of it enveloped in some bullshit 'advice', cannot be an adequate response. It is people we are dealing with and not some dolls or even children who can be temporarily helped to get over their troubles with a fairytale and a candy. They are people who need to be strengthened, to be helped to stand and fight their own battles; they are people with flesh and blood and a whole lot of power hidden. Unless we assist people REALLY (and even receive their help, when in need), we have no right to bluff them! We cannot make Karl Marx's idea of religion as opium, come right, while all the time denying it.
However, my guys fail to see the indepth values and the subsequent demands this ministry makes on us. They need to realise that a mere blah-blah with a verse added as decoration and delivered with a dramatic flair and all of it enveloped in some bullshit 'advice', cannot be an adequate response. It is people we are dealing with and not some dolls or even children who can be temporarily helped to get over their troubles with a fairytale and a candy. They are people who need to be strengthened, to be helped to stand and fight their own battles; they are people with flesh and blood and a whole lot of power hidden. Unless we assist people REALLY (and even receive their help, when in need), we have no right to bluff them! We cannot make Karl Marx's idea of religion as opium, come right, while all the time denying it.
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