G.K. Chesterton on Catholicism’s Critics

It seems at times that anything negative said about the Church will be simply accepted without question. This creates a dizzying array of charges. The Church is both “inconsistent” and “legalistic;” “contaminated by worldly values” and “too removed from the world;” she has too much “sackcloth and ashes” and too much “pomp and ritualism.” No accusation is off-limits. As Chesterton wrote in 1908:

Any stick [is] good enough to beat Christianity with.

When Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you,” he added: “Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (From Fr. Butler's Homily for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C.)

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Prayer for the Church's Adversaries

Almighty Jesus, Prince of Peace, you commanded us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Let us pray for our adversaries and all who oppose the Church. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may we strive to fulfill God’s will, in imitation of you, and labor unceasingly to bring about your love on earth as it is heaven. To you be all the glory and honor forever. Amen.