A Reason Not to be a Catholic

It's that time again when most of the things talked about Catholicism are the scandals, gossips, and fallen heroes.  Who can escape the news of the very influential priest whose conversion story had brought hope to many.  His powerful talks and fearless remarks had earned him a lot of followers.  In the Philippines, much buzz is on the Cardinals requesting for SUVs.  The healing priest who had filled up the mall for his regular healing ministry is talked about in grapevine as he is building a huge complex for his ministry getting donations in huge amount.  And everytime something in the news, it is quite expected that the old news will resurface.  "You need a 100,000 peso cheque donation in order to see this Cardinal."

Catholics turned Protestants found a reason to stay where they are.  Non-Catholics found a reason not to convert to Catholicism.  Certainly we must not ignore the scandals and the wrong things happening in our Church; Nor must we take them lightly.  It is a church that is continually under reform.  Are we to turn our back and go shopping for a new church (a lot to choose from)?

In an "issue forum" where Atheists and Catholics tend to be on opposite side of the issues.  One bratty atheist taunted the Catholic with "Borgia! Borgia! Borgia!"  And looking back at the history of the Catholic Church, there were seasons of great harvests but there were many seasons of great upheavals and scandals.  Must we be sensitive and be irritated by the chants of "Borgia!" and "Padre Damaso" and cry out "it's not true!".

Having scandals and sinners around is one of the ten reasons I am a Catholic.  It's not because I enjoy being in their company...  but it brings out the Divinity of the Catholic Church.  The Catholic Church does not depend on the holiness of its members. The Church remains true and holy because it was founded by Jesus who is the Truth and is God.  Although, there would be traitors, cowards, extravagant, hypocrites around us, there will always be something astoundingly beautiful in a church instituted by the Source of all that is beautiful.  And who knows, it's not the end of the story after all.