Too long, I too withheld my ear
from “slanderers” who poured
out tales of victimhood to smear
the servants of the Lord.
I trusted in our leaders’ sneer:
“No sins like that could blight us.”
But unhealed traumas reappear.
The past comes back to bite us.
Some quibble, now the bill is here,
“The Church cannot afford
to let each claimant profiteer
and claim a fat reward.”
“The damage wasn’t that severe.”
“They bankrupt us to spite us.”
But unhealed traumas reappear.
The past comes back to bite us.
Survivors say, “When we come near,
we get Don’t rob the poor-ed
by those who’ll only shed a tear
to mourn the Church’s hoard.
They pay when forced to pay. And we’re
reproached as they requite us.”
But unhealed traumas reappear.
The past comes back to bite us.
Time flows, and muddied waters clear,
asserted Heraclitus.
But unhealed traumas reappear.
The past comes back to bite us.
Time is short, so I’ll be direct: FIRST THINGS needs you. And we need you by December 31 at 11:59 p.m., when the clock will strike zero. Give now at supportfirstthings.com.
First Things does not hesitate to call out what is bad. Today, there is much to call out. Yet our editors, authors, and readers like you share a greater purpose. And we are guided by a deeper, more enduring hope.
Your gift of $50, $100, or even $250 or more will bring this message of hope to many more people in the new year.
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