Holier than thou

A video of a baptism is making the rounds of the internet, as has practically gone viral. It shows a priest berating, rebuking and downright humiliating a woman having her baby baptized. It turns out that the woman was an unwed, single mother who allegedly had a child with a married man. This probably flipped a switch for the priest to go all moral on the woman, who could do nothing but take everything the priest lashed out at her. What was she to do? And yes, this happened in Cebu.

Reactions from netizens were swift, criticizing the priest for having to chastise the mother in public, even during a sacrament required by the church. The consensus was that although the priest may be reminding the teachings of the church, there was a proper time and place for such a lesson. What really riled me was his comment with regards to the future of the child, because of the so-called sins of the mother. That was really too much, even for a Catholic priest. Obviously he cast the first stone. I just hope he is as sinless as he believes to be.

There really was no reason for the priest to do what he did. Why didn't he just talk to the mother after the ceremony? I'm all for good moral values, but people do stumble, even priests. And when they do, it would do better to help them back on their feet, rather than scolding them for falling. It's called compassion. Something you would expect from a priest. Definitely not scolding a person in public. That just smacks of power tripping.

I've had my share of holier than thou people. Some even do it on a regular basis, taking every opportunity to take a swipe, as if whatever they say is infallible. And it is not confined to priests. Priests are supposed to be shepherds, not executioners. I'm sure that's what the woman felt. What was supposed to be a joyful occasion, turned out to be an inquisition. Someone should inform the priest of the twenty-first century.

We can expect the Church to come to the defense of one of its own. Probably not even a slap on the wrist. I would rather prefer he undergo some form of re-orientation. The woman has most likely suffered enough. It was just too much to receive it at a time when she herself was complying with one of the obligations taught by the Church. People would do well to avoid this particular priest, lest you be at the receiving end of his scathing rebukes. You probably have to be sinless to hear mass, attend a baptism or even get married in his church.

And really, who can say that they are?