Taking a Stand

Taking a Stand

Fr. James Farfaglia (from his daily blog)

Today, the Catholic Church remembers St. Ireneaus. Not much is known about his life, however what is known about him is that he was fully immersed in the theological controversies of the second century. He was known as a fearless defender of Church teaching and it is not accidental that he is remembered the day before the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.


Trials and tribulations will always be a part of the Church because it is not merely a human entity. The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ, and Satan will continue to attack it until the Second Coming. Perhaps history will judge our age as presenting
the most formidable challenges the Catholic Church has had to face, although it is true that there have been other dramatic moments in the history of the Church such as the time of St. Ireneaus.


The Catholic Church is the only institution in human history that has continually survived its own problems and failures. As G.K. Chesterton once said, this is true, "because it has a God who knew his way out of the grave". Jesus assures us of his continual presence and protection: "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16: 18).


Rather than becoming discouraged, angry, or even rebellious during a difficult time of trial, we must stand fast through prayer and fidelity. We must always pray for our Church, and always trust that God will deliver us from all evil. The words that Thomas Paine wrote in 1776 are equally true today as they were then: "These are times that try men's souls".


The reality of division within the Catholic Church in this country is very real. Just after the death of Pope John Paul the Great, CNN/USA TODAY/GALLUP Poll found that... (Continued here at "The Daily Homily - also in my right column))