Stay the Course 

   “In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses.  Our duty is not to abandon ship but to keep her on her course.” (St. Boniface) 

   In 1987, the USS Stark was attacked while on patrol in the Persian Gulf.  Two missiles struck the ship causing extensive damage and killing several sailors.  At one point the ship was very near capsizing as the crew fought the fires and flooding.  It would have been quite easy to abandon ship and let her go down, the damage was that severe.  However, the crew kept fighting and eventually saved the ship.

   I mention that event because the Church is much like a ship at sea.  It sails in treacherous waters fraught with dangers.  Satan attacks her in any way possible, hoping to sink her.  The sin and evil of many inflict great damage.  Even some of those who are supposed to be safeguarding the ship, priests, bishops and other clergy, cause damage by their heretical speech and actions.

   As a result many have abandoned the ship, giving up rather than continuing the fight to keep the ship on course.  The ship of the Church can never be sunk by Satan and his efforts, but it can be damaged by those who abandon her and give up.

   Thank God for those who refuse to give up, who keep up the damage control and fight the good fight to keep the ship afloat and on the right course.  Jesus said, “And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” (Matt 28:20).  He will never abandon the ship of His Church and has promised that “the gates of the netherworld will not prevail against it.” (Matt 16: 18).

   Cardinal Ratzinger, before he became Pope Benedict XVI, said that the Church will become smaller and more faithful.  History has shown that those who stand and fight for the Church are often a small, but strong minority.  Christ calls us to protect and preserve His Church.  Will we take up the fight or abandon ship?