- Feb 5, 2002
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In some periods of history, when the Church was a socially dominant institution, there has been a temptation to “triumphalism”, a kind of cockiness about the prerogatives of the Church and an almost belligerent expectation that these prerogatives are to be acknowledged, admired and praised by all parties. The temptation to triumphalism is a byproduct of worldly success, or of the remembrance of past worldly success, which (whatever relief it may seem to offer at times) really has no place in Catholicism at all.
But this does not mean that having the courage of one’s convictions is in any sense triumphal. Usually, in fact, it is not only personally dangerous but an obstacle to advancement not only in the world but often in the Church herself. There is always a great difference between courage and mere swagger. The latter invariably appears when the coast is clear. The former is visible only under pressure. It is a byproduct of faith—the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen (Heb 11:1). And sure enough, when faith is weak or nonexistent, the courage to insist on the moral demands of faith disappears.
The closest that Our Lord ever got to what we call “triumphalism” was His entry into Jerusalem, which we now celebrate on Palm Sunday. This was a kind of parade created by those Christ excited, and of course it did hint at something of His true nature. Nonetheless, it was a parade which led straight to His passion and death. The lesson is that all spiritual elation must be tempered by humility, and all Christian greatness must take the form of vulnerability. This reality is the key not only to Christian meekness but to Christian courage.
Hiding from the Truth
Continued below.
www.catholicculture.org
But this does not mean that having the courage of one’s convictions is in any sense triumphal. Usually, in fact, it is not only personally dangerous but an obstacle to advancement not only in the world but often in the Church herself. There is always a great difference between courage and mere swagger. The latter invariably appears when the coast is clear. The former is visible only under pressure. It is a byproduct of faith—the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen (Heb 11:1). And sure enough, when faith is weak or nonexistent, the courage to insist on the moral demands of faith disappears.
The closest that Our Lord ever got to what we call “triumphalism” was His entry into Jerusalem, which we now celebrate on Palm Sunday. This was a kind of parade created by those Christ excited, and of course it did hint at something of His true nature. Nonetheless, it was a parade which led straight to His passion and death. The lesson is that all spiritual elation must be tempered by humility, and all Christian greatness must take the form of vulnerability. This reality is the key not only to Christian meekness but to Christian courage.
Hiding from the Truth
Continued below.
Placatory proselytism? Obscuring the challenge of Faith
A placatory Christianity is in fact the very worst form of proselytism, seeking to buy new recruits by offering a non-existent benefit.
www.catholicculture.org
