"The Truth as Magnet"

JMJ.     We all know that the Gospel tells us that Jesus is "the Way and the Truth and the Life."  The truth that He brought us drew many to Him like a magnet and, also like a magnet, repelled many, too.  Not only did those teachings draw their ire, it drew their attacks, not only then but down through the centuries even to our present time.  The Church Christ founded is called "the Whore of Babylon" and other scurrilous titles, some folks even denying that Catholics are Christian!

How does one combat these people?  One must first and foremost remember that our detractors attack out of ignorance and prejudice.  We must meet them with love, not only for their sakes but for ours, too--don't forget that Jesus commanded us to love even our enemies.  (Don't worry.  I know this is sometimes hard to do but after all, if He told us to do something patently impossible He must needs give us the wherewithal with which to do it!)

Second, we must meet our foes with prayer, commending them to the Holy Ghost since nothing can be accomplished without His help anyway.  Third, we must educate ourselves;  not everyone is destined for a job as a professional apologist, present company definitely included!  Not only is the most time-consuming of the three "musts" but at the same time can be the most fun and rewarding.  If Catholic education is ever lacking it does so in not teaching the "why" of what the Church teaches and believes.  Not knowing this leaves us an easy target for the Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormons who come to our doors seeking to lure us into their particular errors.

Always remember that evangelism is a team effort--or should be, anyway.  After all, one of the tenets of Catholicism is the "communion of souls."  We are never alone, especially in such an important endeavour.  Too, the resources at our disposal are myriad.  They've only been accumulating for 2,000 years, you know.  Our greatest Teacher, of course, is our Lord Jesus Christ.  Sure He was a "pro" and had thousands of years of Scripture and Tradition at His fingertips when it came to teaching; but His favourite tactic seems to be the parable.    Learn from Him and apply the same idea to your efforts!  Does a neighbor deride the Catholic Church as "the Whore of Babylon?"  Look him square in the eye and ask, "If that's so, why has she produced so many saints?" 

The crux, as I'm sure you see, is to spark a doubt or a question.  Find the chink in their armour and make a quick thrust.  The two things to remember are that the Church has a really great answer for any question you're posed and that someone else is sure to have that answer even if you don't.  In my next post I'll mention a few resources for you to tie into.  In the meantime, start learning and have fun.