Through Every Storm and Disaster, The Catholic Church Stood Strong: Reflection for 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time

The wildfire in Maui and the 9/11 falling of the Twin Towers have something in common. A Catholic Church. Yes, a Catholic Church. Both have the oldest Catholic Church in the community and those churches survived disasters.

St. Paul’s Chapel, built in 1766, is the oldest church in Manhattan, opposite the Twin Towers. The church survived two disasters. The first was the great fire of the American Revolution.  The other would take place 235 years later; September 11th. The church not only served as a sanctuary but “a symbol of perseverance and hope”.  

Recently, Maui has endured a very devastating wildfire on the island. Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, the oldest on the island, has gained viral attention as it was spared by the great inferno.

These two churches tell us something about the Catholic Church. It has stood the test of time. Even the Prophet Isaiah reminds us, “No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And you will condemn every tongue that accuses you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17). 

Over three millenniums, the Catholic Church has endured many storms from the early church persecutions to clergy abuse scandal and everything in between. However, the church is still in existence. How? The courageous and faithful followers like the myriad of saints and saints to be. They’ve helped give the church hope. They’ve helped give us something to remember. They give us an example to follow. They stood strong in their faith. The church is still standing because of these heroic men and women. There is no doubt that we're surrounded by many more men and women striving for the same goal. 

Likewise, we can follow their example in the 21st Century. The church continues to come under attack from heretical clergy like the German bishops who want to promote same-sex marriage and weak bishops who want to abuse the liturgy while canceling courageous priests who have spoken the truth every given Sunday. The church is challenged to continue its efforts to protect the sanctity of human life from womb to tomb. The church is even weakened by poor catechism and lukewarm homilies. Through it all, the church is still standing. 

In 1983, Elton John came out with a song titled "I'm Still Standing". In the chorus, the legendary singer sings, "And I'm still standin' after all this time
Pickin' up the pieces of my life without you on my mind". The singer knew the church will remain standing despite the attacks from outside and within. 

The church needs the zeal and courage to guide others back to the church. It needs us to overcome every storm that tries to wither her away.

The Catholic Church stands strong amid the current storm because of those who want to uphold her proud traditions.