[GipperGal]

If we may not judge our brother, much less our teacher, let each attend to his own department. For if he teaches perverted doctrine, though he be an angel, do not obey him; but if he teaches the truth, take heed not to his life, but to his words. You are a sheep, do not be curious concerning the shepherd, lest you have to give account of your accusations against him. It is not he who speaks to you. It is Christ who thus admonishes you. But you say, 'He ought to be better than I.' Why? 'Because he is a priest'. If he is not better, ought you therefore to destroy yourself?

This is a particularly difficult lesson in light of the crisis going on today in the Church -- and even in light of the article that started this whole thread. But it's a great reminder. Thanks for posting it, K.

One quick question, when he writes, "The priest performs a symbol", what symbol is he referring to? He doesn't mean the Eucharist, does he? I ask that because I didn't think he would refer to the Eucharist as a symbol.

[Kolokotronis]

""The priest performs a symbol", what symbol is he referring to? He doesn't mean the Eucharist, does he? I ask that because I didn't think he would refer to the Eucharist as a symbol."

NO no no! The Greek means that he, the priest, steps into a role but in the sense of being a tool or conduit; not a real good translation I'm afraid.

"It is not the power of man which makes what is put before us the Body and Blood of Christ, but the power of Christ Himself who was crucified for us. The priest standing there in the place of Christ says these words but their power and grace are from God. 'This is My Body,' he says, and these words transform what lies before him." St. John Chrysostom, "Homilies on the Treachery of Judas" 1,6;

[Kolokotronis]

"This is a particularly difficult lesson in light of the crisis going on today in the Church -- and even in light of the article that started this whole thread. But it's a great reminder."

The danger of succumbing to the difficulty, which in America has happened in spades, is not encouragment of sin and depravity or its cover up which are always wrong, but rather Donatism which is heresy.