A Reason for Our Hope…
“Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” (1 Peter 3: 13-15, NABRE)
The above words written in the 1st century of our Christian era could just as well have been written in the 21st century. Christ’s Church today is encountering ignorance, indifference, or outright hostility to its mission and message, in some respects similar to what the Apostles faced. Presently all sincere Christians must be prepared to explain why we place our hope in Our Lord and Savior. The reason for our hope obliges us to offer a reasonable defense of our Faith. However, “… do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:16 NABRE)
As lay women and men we are all called to respond in joy to the Gospel and to bring that Good News to others. Our Faith is so worth sharing that we must hold ourselves accountable for continuing formation, intellectually and spiritually, the better to present the reason for our hope. Indeed, there is much beauty and richness in the history and tradition of our Church, as well as in the truths discovered over the centuries and safeguarded by Catholic doctrine and dogma. It is essential that we carry these riches with us on our journey towards the safe port in Christ… and do our best to bring others with us.
We are not alone in our mission, for we place The Catholic Navigator, The Catholic Clipper, and The Catholic Tugboat, as well as the staff, under the intercessory patronage of:
Our Lady, Star of the Sea and St. Maximilian Kolbe
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection 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 divine power of God,
cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
(attributed to Pope Leo XIII)
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