Dear Bells,
Receiving the Eucharist from Jesus was simply a part of the over-all betrayal that Judas instigated against Him which ultimately led to His suffering and death. Jesus also didn’t stop Judas from betraying Him. But this is what Jesus says about the matter: “…but alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! Better for that man if he had never been born!” (Mt 26:24-25)
For a Catholic politician to publicly contradict the Church’s stand on protecting innocent human life against abortion is to give public scandal. For a Catholic priest or bishop to publicly treat such a politician as if his behavior is morally acceptable (as in giving him the Eucharist) is also to give sandal.
Here is what Jesus has to say about those who give scandal: “But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith in me would be better drowned in the depth of the sea with a great millstone round his neck.” (Matt 18:6)
Any priest who uses such a lame excuse as the one you cite in such a grave matter, is seriously endangering the salvation of his soul—not to mention the possible harm he is doing to others.
Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.
