The Popes and Democracy - Part V. the Attitude of Catholics in a World of Errors 50. The Folly of the Gospel

Nothing could have seemed less opportune than the preaching of the Gospel in the time of Christ. Humanly speaking, it was folly. Far from being a success in the worldly sense of the term, the predication ended up in the ignominious death of its promoter, and the persecution of His disciples. The Pharisees were triumphant and the Roman legions had re-established "law and order." But, as is often the case, this human folly was divine wisdom. Christianity was to change the whole world, including the Supreme Ruler of the Roman Legions three centuries later. A cross appeared in the sky with the words "In hoc signo vinces", and this miracle led Constantine to his victory, and eventually to his conversion. So, today also, it may seem folly to overtly oppose the established order. It may seem more opportune to observe a prudent silence, or even seek a compromise, but what a lack of faith it denotes! What a miserable betrayal of Christian principles! Do we not know that God can work another miracle if necessary? But must we not give Him a token of our will to fight? Indeed, if we are to believe St. John Bosco, St. Louis-Marie Grignon de Montfort, and many other Saints, the occurrence of such a miracle, in the not too distant future, is a distinct possibility. But, miracle or not, our will to fight should be the same. There can be no compromise with a social order rooted in Liberalism. What is called "moderation" is a facile excuse for doing nothing. It is often a mask concealing a lack of courage and determination. To be sure, compromises can secure some immediate advantages. But an immediate and limited advantage is a very poor reward when the price is the long-range and essential interests of Christianity! That such a policy amounts to a betrayal was stated by St. Pius X: "The Church has never betrayed the welfare of the people by dangerous alliances."