The last couple day's readings for Mass (and the next couple as well) give us the passages from the book of Acts where the first "persecution" came against the Church. This was in the earliest days of her existence, and that should cause us to pause and think about it. In the beginning stages of a new organization's existence it needs stability and security. A direct persecution on the Church in those days would seem to the casual observer as a disaster. It may appear that God was not doing His job of protecting His new "baby" flock, but we all know that is not the case. God was still protecting His flock, but He was also doing something else so much more powerful; He was teaching it by experience.
In a small, fledgling community, every problem seems magnified. There are fewer people so it is harder for problems to be missed, and thus, it is normal for everyone to notice every little issue. In a parish of 1000 people, one grumpy person will not likely get noticed by most parishioners unless he is extremely vocal. In a parish of 25, one grumpy person can hurt the entire community with just a few words. Thus, a full persecution coming against the Church in the first century would seem to be devastating. Yet, the Lord knew exactly what He was doing. The Church was not devastated; it actually grew!
The Church is never promised an "easy ride" and there are many ways that the Lord can help us to learn that fact. Sometimes it is through simple challenging events, and other times it might be through some sort of persecution or trial. Whichever it may be, Jesus always knows what is best for us, and chooses the exact circumstances to strengthen us in our faith. I am reminded of the illustration of a butterfly. When it is first emerging from its cocoon, if we intervene and help it, then it will be too weak and will die early. It is the very struggle and effort of releasing itself from the cocoon that gives it the strength it needs to survive. The Church is exactly like that; it needs to suffer to survive.
You have probably heard the quote, "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church". Whatever the trial may be, it is good for a parish to experience it because the Lord, in His great love for us, uses these things to teach us and strengthen us. Sometimes it is just to make us reassess who we are and what we are doing. Sometimes it is to draw the community together in a way that they were not before. And other times it may happen so that we can more deeply appreciate a blessing that comes after the trial. Whatever God is doing in each situation it is always for our good.
For a small, new, parish, a trial of this sort may seem to "too much" for some. It can make people at times feel like giving up and just moving on to another parish (I know, I have seen it before). Yet, that will create three new problems. The first problem is that the one who leaves will not learn from the trial itself, and will only go forth in ignorance. The second problem is that the one who leaves will think that he can find a parish that God does not send challenges to (which is never the case). The third problem is that those who remain can be discouraged because of the loss of parishioners that used to be there; their absence is noticed, and the reason for their departure is often difficult to discuss appropriately.
This is also true for larger established parishes. They will also endure various trials that the Lord allows to come their way, but these trials will usually not be as noticeable unless they are very large. This means that it is important that the priest take advantage of these difficulties and use them to teach the people what it means to stick together and help one another through the hurt.
It is not just a "problem of a fallen world" that a local parish will experience suffering and persecution at times. It is an intentional action by God to allow these things to help us grow and serve Him with greater devotion. You can see it in what happened to the Church in the first century; persecution led to the spread of the gospel. What will God use our coming trials and challenges to bring about? We will only know if we trust Him and remain faithful.
