La Leçon de catéchisme (Catechism Lesson), 1890, by Jules-Alexis Muenier (1863-1942), oil on canvas, Musée des beaux-arts et d’archéologie de Besançon

Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.”

cf. 1 Peter 3:15-16

catechesis

A daily morsel of Catholic education and faith formation.

Church

Scandals

QUESTION OR COMMON OBJECTION:

If the Church is guided by the Holy Spirit, why is it so full of scandals?

CATHOLIC ANSWER:

The Church is made up of both saints and sinners. Remember that Jesus himself had to deal with scandal among his own apostles – Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial.

… the Pharisees … said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ … [Jesus replied] ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.’”

Matthew 9:11-13

The Holy Spirit will always guide the Church even through the uproar of scandal, keeping the Church faithful and pure even though some of her human members are not.

For additional reading, please see our blog post, “On Being Catholic & the Bride of Christ”.

Other References: Mt 13:24-30; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 2:17; 1 Jn 1:8-10; CCC 767-769, 771, 827

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catechism of the Catholic Church

For information about what the Catholic Church believes, answers to FAQs, and an encompassing resource addressing common objections and misconceptions non-Catholics and Catholics alike may have about the Church and what it teaches, we invite you to visit the online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

PRAYER

Let us pray.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.