Not My Responsibility

[poliphilo]

Of course Peter wants to see his kids. And of course it's frustrating for him to go through the legal procedures, but there's absolutely no way I'm short circuiting the system and setting up a meeting between him and Odi. That would be madly irresponsible. Possibly dangerous too. 

So why do I feel so so bad about saying "no" to him? It's the priest in me, isn't it? Father has all the answers, father will make things right.

O no he doesn't. O no he won't.

Comments

[ooxc.livejournal.com]

I don't know any priest who would agree to doing that.
The danger aspect is obviously the most important - but it would be just as irresponsible if it wasn't dangerous - short circuiting the system might permanently damage his chances of a meeting

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

As a priest you feel under pressure to solve people's problems for them. At least, I did. I sometimes think I must have a Messiah complex or something.

I like your final point. I think it would be a bad idea- even from his point of view- to go behind the back of the legal authorities.

[ooxc.livejournal.com]

Yes, I saw what you meant about that - and I didn't mean that I don't know priests who feel like that - I meant that they don't do anything about it - which you aren't, either!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I've learned- through painful experience- that you can't sort out people's lives for them- and that they come to resent you if you try.

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

A hard and valuable lesson, to be sure.

I had a lawyer tell me the same, not long ago, that he'd actually lost friends doing pro bono work for them.