The Catholic Church has been around for over 2000 years. When Christ told Simon Peter that “on this rock, I will build my Church,” Christ’s goal of uniting all, whether Gentiles or Jews, was established. He came, loved and died for ALL.
Throughout its history, there have been scandals, schisms, outright betrayals by Church officials — the direct outgrowth of the fact that the Church is made up of human beings. We are prone to make bad and selfish choices, wrong judgments and are prone to sin (thanks to Adam and Eve).
The only perfect person ended up crucified back in 33 A.D.
Yet despite the challenges, here it stands. Repository of God’s teachings, proclaiming the way Jesus has asked us to live. A well-spring of information about theology and the scriptures, provider of education, medical assistance, charitable works across the globe. How has it survived?
The answer: through the presence of the Holy Spirit in its midst. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to dwell in the Church, never to leave it. Its guidance has preserved the doctrines and truths of the teachings of Christ for over two millennium. No other explanation, short of divine providence, can explain its longevity, its ability to withstand attacks against it, and its continued ability to influence hearts, draw souls to God and inspire a desire for holiness.
I think of the growth of so many different Protestant churches — our co-Christians — its founders believing wholeheartedly that their changes and reforms defined a new, better, maybe even best way to heaven. Yet none of the these founders have ever claimed to be God.
Only one church was founded by a person, both human and divine: Jesus Christ.
Why did God allow these churches to form, to spring up, to spread across the world? In His incredible love and generosity, our Father seeks to bring about good out of the splintering of His church. Some people may have never known Christ without these other churches; some may never have arrived at the doors of Catholicism had they not first been introduced to the Protestant faith. So God is drawing more people to Himself, despite the many different options that are out there.
Unfortunately, faced with so many choices, many decide to just opt out, especially in this day and age. “How important is it, really, to belong to a church?” “I am spiritual. I’ll just focus on my relationship with God on my own.” or “I think I want to switch churches because the pastor/minister is such a boring speaker.”
What these thoughts have in common is the fact that God no longer becomes the central driving force of the faith. His teachings are relegated to mere suggestions or guidelines. His plan to nurture the church through a thriving community, a family of faith, is set aside. For some, worship becomes entertainment and not a true recognition of God’s greatness and our smallness. It becomes all about “what do I get out of it?”
We are all faced with a challenge to stem the tide of people leaving the church. We are asked to be warriors for God and be active disciples of Jesus. It means sharing our stories with others, feeling bold enough to mention God in day to day conversations. We are made to be lit lanterns that share the light and joy of our faith.
Not everyone feels confident enough to be an apologist. But the Church is nothing but eager to share information when needed. We are resource-rich in that department. Let’s not hesitate to bring the good news of Christ and His church to everyone we meet. When faced with questions we cannot answer, let’s seek out people that can help.
All rivers flow to the sea. There is but one God and He calls to us. When someone decides to ferret out the truth — with true due diligence — that effort will show the undeniable authenticity of Christ’s church.