Catholicism Upheld By Reason Itself

Strength of Catholics

               It would be nice if one looked at things objectively and within the range of reason.

Let us say that I was some atheist from Russia looking for the true Church of Christ. I see a small group of people who share the same basic beliefs and gather together for a common worship. I notice that they are very few (no more than a few hundred scattered around New York State, Long Island, California, Mexico and the Dominican Republic). I also notice that practically 50 years ago, this Church did not even exist.

              Then I observe the Catholic Church and see that it is made up of one billion people from every nation in the world. They have one common belief and worship that has never been broken. They can trace their origin all the way to the time of Christ, which is sustained by the testimony of the Church fathers. So now I have to decide which Church to join and be a part of. I have to look at the data in front of me, and reason out which one Christ really founded. Would Christ now, really start a Church consisting of a mere 300 hundred souls in the latter half of the 20th century that doesn't even cover three small states of the USA?

Jesus would be a pretty sad and foolish administrator. Every one who has eyes to see, can readily discern the true and mystical body of Christ on earth.

             But let us say, for arguments sake, that I do join the small Church. Now am I expected to convert one billion Catholics over to it? Does it have, all of a sudden, the true Pope, to whom everyone, including myself, must obey and follow? Is their knowledge of the Bible and the teachings of Christ greater, more exact and truer than that taught, preached and explained by all the saints, bishops, priests, theologians and popes of the Catholic Church? Are they the only ones that are right, while one billion people are wrong? Would one not think it to be a bit bold and preposterous to make such a suicidal challenge to universal Catholicism?

 Can you imagine, for example, a witch doctor from Africa telling all the doctors and scientists of the world that their medicine and technological advances are all wrong, and that he has the truth concerning the cure for sicknesses? Now who would listen to such a primitive mind? Even if I were the most intelligent person in the world, I would sacrifice and submit my talent in favor of the wisdom of the Catholic Church, knowing that who guides and instructs her is the Holy Spirit itself. I hope one can see things with an open and reasoning mind, and not with a bigoted spirit.

Father Anthony Mellace