Have you ever been harassed, assaulted, or robbed? Maybe the violation was sexual harassment or a sexual assault.

     I had the experience of feeling violated when a pick-pocket took money from my father in Rome, Italy. I felt responsible for my dad and knew that he was vulnerable to theft. I too felt “violated” when someone reached into his pocket and took his possessions. After he was robbed I went to the nearby church to pray because I was so angry. It was Good Friday. I realized in the midst of my strong feelings that the theft was nothing in comparison to the “violation” which Jesus endured during his Passion. I even began to feel sorry for the thief as I tried to imagine the desperation which drove him to steal. After a long time of prayer my anger was converted to forgiveness and hope. I hoped that the money would be used for a real need and not just an enrichment of a selfish person. In the end I had no control thus I tried to think optimistically. One month later I, too, was pick pocketed. I was angry again. Same process.

     The so-named “MeToo” movement gives us insight into a different kind of violation after which it is not as easy to move forward as after a theft. The movement’s goal is help those who have been violated, sexually harassed or assaulted, to regain some control. Optimism and remedies are nearly impossible to attain after such violations. However, the persons who were violated often experience healing and empowerment for being able to stand up and speak the truth: “Me too! I was sexually harassed/abused/assaulted.”

     If you have never been harassed or assaulted, or if you are one who has done the assaulting, you cannot criticize or attempt to deflate the power of the “MeToo” movement. This is why even President Trump needs to be called out for recently suggesting that people are weak who are trying to heal and regain confidence after harassment or assault. He has no right. Since he has admitted to participation in, and has been credibly accused of, various degrees of harassment and violations of women’s bodies, Mr. Trump needs to be very careful. It would be best for him to lead by offering apologies for his past misdeeds, or else be quiet in regard to those who are finding strength in the “MeToo” movement.  The president, like the rest of us, would do well to ask: “How can I help effect healing for those who have been harmed?” This is the Christ-like action we must take.

Peace, Fr. Andy