There’s no denying that the Church is under attack. Not a day goes by without some new controversy involving the clergy, the pope, or even attacks on physical churches. With clergy—who are supposed to be our shepherds—involved in so much on-going scandal, it can feel demoralizing to continue being Catholic. Unfortunately, this means that those who are lukewarm in their faith are finding easy excuses to leave the Church.
Of course, there’s so many things we can do. We can evangelize, especially using social media. We can help instruct those who’ve been poorly catechized or who were taught erroneous things about the Church; this falls under the first spiritual work of mercy. We can also live our lives in a manner that shows what it means to be a true believer in Christ. Still, even if we do all of this, we can encounter major resistance, making us want to waiver in our efforts. What’s a faithful Catholic to do? Besides prayer, we can look at the encouraging words of a saint who lived during a politically turbulent time.
St. Thomas More lived his life as an unapologetic Catholic, ultimately losing his life to uphold his morals and beliefs. What does this courageous saint have to say about living during a time where being Catholic seems to include walking around with a target on one’s back? Here are seven encouraging quotes from their saintly martyr.
1. When you feel like quitting
“You must not abandon the ship in a storm because you cannot control the winds… What you cannot turn to good, you must at least make as little bad as you can.”
2. Why trials are necessary
“Every tribulation whichever comes our way either is sent to be medicinal, if we will take it as such, or may become medicinal, if we will make it such, or is better than medicinal, unless we forsake it.”
3. Where one can find refuge
“Comfort in tribulation can be secured only on the sure ground of faith holding as true the words of Scripture and the teaching of the Catholic Church.”
4. When you think you’re not doing enough
“The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.”
5. When you want to give up on your efforts
“Do the best you can to make the present production a success; don’t spoil the entire play just because you happen to think of another one that you’d enjoy rather more.”
6. When you get discouraged by the latest scandal
“The times are never so bad but that a good man can live in them.”
7. When you need to be reminded about Who is in charge
“Don’t worry about me no matter what happens in this world. Nothing can happen to me that God doesn’t want. And all that He wants, no matter how bad it may appear to us, is really for the best.”
No matter what happens, remember that the “gates of hell shall not prevail” against the Church (Matt. 16:18). St. Thomas More, pray for us!
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