I was talking with some parishioners last week about the scandal inflicting our Church and how disoriented and confused people are and as a result, have become angry.

Whenever I find myself in a crisis situation, whether it be my own or someone else’s, what always come to mind are the words, ‘never lose sight of the end game – heaven. Stayed focused by living out the virtues heroically; finding direction and solace in reading the Scriptures and participating in the Sacrament of the Church.

Reflecting on the readings, I found some direction that was helpful to me and might be for you. In today’s first reading from Acts, the Apostles are quoted, “It is necessary for us to undergo hardship to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

One question, a person asked me is, “When will this all end?” I answered first by saying, there are many Dioceses in the United States and around the world, so it will not end for some time. This has not been an easy fix.

But I also said I am confident that, no matter what the media reports, our Archdiocese has put people and processes together that make us more alert and more assertive, more cooperative with civil authorities and more sensitive to the people who have victimized. There is more to do, of course, but we will stay vigilant.

When will this end? The Gospel says, “When Judas had left them.” This is a time of purification for the Church, one of many,  when the betrayers are being weeded out. “Behold, I make all things new.”

So, what can we do to help strengthen our Church? Stay focused on the end game – heaven. Live out the virtues heroically and find direction in the Sacraments and in the Scripture. Help make your life and the lives around you holier. “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

My friends, the end game is the direction we all strive to achieve. Orient your life toward Christ and in this hope put your faith in the words of Revelation:

“Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be His People and God Himself will always be with them as their God.”

“Behold, I make all things new.”