How do you normally react to criticisms against the Catholic Church? Do you also join the bashers? - Daily Reflections October 10,2014

NAYSAYERS AND HATERS IN OUR MIDST   When Pope Benedict XVI announced he was resigning as Pope early last year, the whole media world and social networks were abuzz with frenzied activity. The usual conspiracy theorists and their machinery for intrigue were in full throttle. What was essentially an introverted and shy octogenarian’s well-thought-of decision, born of careful discernment in prayer and reflection, was given all sorts of explanations. Old media speculations about the “human rights abuses” of the Church kept on being regurgitated.        The Lord fared no better. When He did some good, the crowd saw the devil’s hand in it. They badgered Him with all sorts of impertinent questions. They’d just seen a sign and still asked for a sign!        At times, I must confess I feel a little weary trying to fend off the undeserved, but vicious, attacks against the Church coming from all sides, including quite a number from within Her own ranks. Indeed, while we cannot, and do not, deny the power of the good, we also cannot gloss over the power of the evil one, who cannot stand it when good is done, when good triumphs, and when people are brought to the light.        But since the devil is the father of all lies, the first thing he does is to discredit the truth or shoot down the bearer of the truth.        We live in interesting times. Pluralism is the run of the day, and the world seems to dignify and adore those who go against timeless doctrines and values. It almost sounds chic and fashionable to bash the Church and Her leaders. Of course, it is small consolation for us to know that the Lord Himself suffered from the same bunch of naysayers and haters. He had His run-in with those who seemed unhappy with what He did and taught.        The naysayers and haters now take different guises and forms. In many cases, they call themselves Catholics but espouse a different doctrine and follow a different moral code. They fight for popular causes and espouse popular values but, like the proverbial worm, they slowly undermine the foundations of the true faith. Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB   REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How do you normally react to criticisms against the Catholic Church? Do you also join the bashers?   Lord, sorry for the times I criticized Your Church and Your ministers. Grant me a compassionate heart to understand that weaknesses exist in all places and people.