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In an increasingly secularized world, where Christian values are being displaced and faith seems to waver in the hearts of many, a crucial question arises: what has happened to the fervor, commitment, and strength of Catholicism? More importantly, how can we recover it? The concept of “militant Catholicism” is not just a call to active faith but a spiritual and moral duty for every Catholic who longs for the Church’s renewal in these tumultuous times. This article aims to delve into the roots of this call, illuminated by the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, and offer practical guidance to reignite the fire of faith.
What is Militant Catholicism?
The term “militant” often conjures images of conflict or struggle, and indeed, it is so: militant Catholicism involves fighting. However, this battle is not violent but spiritual, intellectual, and moral. It is a fight against sin, against the lukewarmness that has infiltrated the hearts of many Catholics, and against the forces of evil that seek to push God out of the center of human life.
St. Thomas Aquinas teaches us that a Christian must not be a passive spectator but a soldier in Christ’s militia. In his monumental work, the Summa Theologiae, Thomas emphasizes that man must continually strive toward the good and resist evil with courage and virtue. This effort requires not only a strong interior faith but concrete actions that reflect the truth of the Gospel.
The Loss of Catholic Influence: A Reflection on Lukewarmness
In recent decades, we have witnessed an alarming phenomenon: lukewarmness and passivity have invaded many Christians. Secularism has been allowed to advance unopposed, while Catholics seem to have forgotten their identity and mission. How did we get here?
- The Culture of Comfort: The rise of consumerism and individualism has weakened the sense of sacrifice and Christian commitment. Many prefer a “light” Catholicism that neither challenges nor disrupts modern ideologies.
- Moral Relativism: Objective truth, the core of Christianity, has been replaced by relativism, which denies the existence of absolute good and evil. This has eroded many Catholics’ confidence in proclaiming their faith.
- Lack of Formation: Many Catholics are unaware of the riches of their faith, leaving them vulnerable to the world’s currents. St. Thomas Aquinas emphasized the importance of reason enlightened by faith; without proper formation, the faithful are left defenseless in upholding the truth.
- Abandonment of Tradition: The loss of respect for the Church’s liturgical, theological, and moral tradition has contributed to the weakening of its influence. Catholicism, when separated from its roots, loses its identity and transformative power.
Restoring the Militant Spirit: A Call to Action
The solution to Catholicism’s decline is not to conform to the world but to reclaim what made it great: its fidelity to Christ, its spiritual strength, and its commitment to the truth. How can each Catholic respond to this call?
1. Return to the Sources: Prayer and the Eucharist
Constant prayer and active participation in the Eucharist are the foundation of any spiritual renewal. The Eucharist, as Christ’s perfect sacrifice, is the source of strength for the militant soul. Catholics must rekindle their love for the Holy Mass, especially in its traditional form, where reverence and the sense of the sacred are palpable. St. Thomas described the Eucharist as the “sacrament of sacraments,” the nourishment that gives life to the spirit.
2. Intellectual and Moral Formation
In a world that celebrates ignorance and sentimentality, the militant Catholic must be formed in truth. This involves studying the Catechism, Church documents, and the great texts of tradition, such as the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. Faith and reason, like two wings of the same bird, allow Christians to understand and defend their faith before the world.
3. Value Tradition
Catholicism is not a passing trend; it is a living heritage that connects the faithful to centuries of divine wisdom. The sacraments, traditional liturgy, Marian devotions, and teachings of the Church Fathers are treasures that must be rediscovered. Tradition is not a burden but a compass guiding believers to God.
4. A Visible and Active Faith
Militant Catholicism demands courage. This means being visible witnesses of Christ in all areas of life: at work, in the family, and in society. It is not enough to live the faith privately; the world needs to see Catholics who speak and act consistently. As St. Paul said, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Tim 4:2).
Practical Applications for the Militant Catholic
To apply these principles in daily life, Catholics can take the following concrete steps:
- Pray the Rosary Daily: The Virgin Mary is the greatest ally in this spiritual battle. The Rosary not only strengthens the soul but is also a powerful weapon against evil.
- Participate Actively in the Church: Attend the sacraments regularly, engage in parish groups, and collaborate in pro-life, charitable, and educational initiatives.
- Evangelize with Charity and Truth: Sharing the faith with love, but without compromising the truth, is one of the most important missions of Catholics. This includes correcting errors and proclaiming the Gospel fearlessly.
- Live in Communion with Other Faithful Catholics: Community is essential for staying strong. Seek out groups that value tradition and fervor, as they are key to persevering in the faith.
- Offer Sacrifices for the Church: St. Thomas Aquinas reminds us that acts of virtue perfect the soul. Sacrifices offered for the conversion of sinners and the sanctity of the Church are an invaluable work of mercy.
A Final Call: Restoring the Kingdom of Christ
Militant Catholicism is not an option but an urgent necessity. In the words of Pope Leo XIII, “every Catholic must be an apostle.” Every believer has the responsibility to restore the Kingdom of Christ in a world that rejects Him. This begins with a heart ablaze with love for God and a life that reflects His glory.
The time for passivity is over. It is time to rise, with the armor of faith and the sword of the Spirit, to proclaim Christ as the Lord of history. As St. Thomas said, “Faith without works is dead.” Let us not allow lukewarmness and fear to define our generation. Let us be the militant Catholics the world needs!
Are you ready to take on the challenge? The battle begins now.
