I just bought a copy of the Catechism of the Council of Trent. Not exactly earth-shattering news; I know. What might be considered "earth-shattering" is the fact that it is obvious that there are quite a few other people buying the same and similar other materials (Catechism of Pope Pius X, Baltimore Catechisms, etc.). People are searching for traditional materials that will clearly and emphatically give them the dogmas of the Catholic Church. Some of the pages on book seller websites have numerous positive reviews of older traditional books that were all posted within the last couple weeks. What does that say? It says people are seeking to reconnect with the historic faith of the Church because they feel attacked by some things that Pope Francis and other Bishops are doing (or not doing!) today.
There is always a good that comes out of bad experiences. Sometimes we do not personally see that good, but Scripture tells us that it is there. The Lord never lets us go through any suffering without also sending us a blessing. Although there may be others, I believe that this search for the traditional teachings of the Church is certainly a blessing. I regularly deal with Catholics who have not been taught many of the basics of the faith, and find that I cannot assume even the minimum of knowledge in many of the faithful today. The precepts of the Church used to be viewed as "the bare minimum" and yet today many do not even follow the "bare minimum".
One thing that I think is greatly contributing to this lack of knowledge and commitment today is the fact that there are many Catholics who are reading and learning from protestants more often than from Catholics (if they learn from them at all). Protestant books are easily found on Church "lending libraries" as though there was no real difference in teaching. "We all believe in the same Jesus, don't we?" Well . . . no we do not. Our protestant brethren are aiming at the same Jesus, and they may get fairly close (usually out of ignorance) but the Jesus that they worship is not the One Who founded the Catholic Church 2000 years ago through the Apostles (just ask them!). If the books you are reading are teaching a different path of Grace than the one that the Church provides through the Sacraments, then we must admit that any spiritual advice from them is suspect. Why would we willingly choose to read them when there are fantastic Catholic books out there?
Another problem that I believe is impacting us is the easy manner in which Catholics marry non-Catholics. Now, I have seen some cases where the non-Catholic is "right on the brink" of conversion, and those are wonderful to watch when they finally do decide to submit to Christ's Church (I have watched a few up close, and those are always a joy), but they are not the norm. In fact, statistics show that the majority of non-Catholics who marry Catholics, not only do not convert, they end up weakening the faith of the Catholic spouse. When this occurs, none of the modern efforts at protestantizing the Church are seen as bothersome by the Catholic spouse. It is often the case that the Catholic in a mixed marriage is unable to resist the errors of protestantism, and thus unable to lead the children of that marriage rightly either.
This new "search for the true faith" that we find many Catholics (cradle and convert) moving into, is a wonderful development in history. Where will it take us? I can only guess. Yet, whenever the laity have moved in this direction, they have always helped to encourage a stronger and more faithful Church. When, however, the laity choose other responses during this time of crisis (especially those reactions that are truly protestant in nature) then they become part of the problem. This is the time to deepen our faith, not a time to get a picket sign that says "the end is near" and yell "woe is me". Does the Church have problems? Yes, she does; absolutely. Will she prevail against the "gates of Hades"? Yes, she will; absolutely (even if some of her leaders have to fall in order for the Church to remain).
Although I will admit to being disheartened by the current crisis, at the same time, my faith is just as strong as it ever was. If someone has been working to prevent the devil from destroying his faith, why would he allow a bad clergyman to destroy his faith? I am not going to allow the sins of anyone--Pope, Bishop, Priest, Deacon, or layman--to move me away from Christ. Even those who have suffered abuse directly from disobedient clergymen are able to find their consolation and strength in Christ and His great mercy. Our Lord is always faithful, and in His love for us, He has chosen us for this time. He has allowed us to experience these trials, and He promises to lead us through them. Let us strengthen our faith, renew our commitment to Christ and His Church, and wait for times of blessing from our Lord.
