The world media is happy to report that big numbers of so-called “Catholics” are leaving the Church because of the sex abuse scandals that have emerged recently. Every paper has its own version of events, and they are all trying to blame Pope Ratzinger for it.  For them, it is his fault that things have come to this.

But let us comment on the so-called “Catholics” who are leaving the Church, or not wanting to donate any of their money towards its causes.  I label them “so-called” because they are most probably either totally ignorant of their faith, or are from the large group of Catholics who are neither Sinners nor Saints.

Unfortunately, we can divide the Catholic Church into three groups:  the Sinners, the half-way hopefuls, and the Saints.  If any serious thinker were to go through the whole history of the Catholic Church, they would soon realise how many sinners there have been throughout the ages, beginning with Saint Peter himself, and Judas, both from the original twelve whom Jesus chose.  Then, as we go through the centuries of Church history, one will find even worse examples of sinners.

So what!  Has this weakened the Church?  Not at all, because everyone should know that the Catholic Church is made up of all kinds of people, from the high ranks to the lowest ones.  Nobody in his right senses proposes the Catholic Church as a collection of Saints:  far from it.  There are sinners, but, hey, let us not forget that there are also Saints, and great Saints at that.

And these saints are still active in the Church today!  Just look at the number of people of all walks of life that have been proclaimed saints these last thirty years or so. Many of them lived and died very close to our times.  The Catholic Church is still producing saints in spite of its sins!  And that is proof that God’s Spirit still works in its people.

The real problem lies in that large swathe of “Catholics” who are neither hot nor cold!  They are lukewarm, their faith is tepid, and their prayer life is very tenuous.  They are the seeds which have fallen among thorns or on rocky ground.  They do not know their faith and their religious history.  They do not understand that the Catholic Church is the New People of God!  God is the leader of this Church, not the Pope.  The devil has always tried, and is always trying to block God’s plans for his Church.  But a genuine Catholic knows that the forces of evil will never conquer the Church.  That is God’s promise, and nothing and nobody will erase that promise.

So, these so-called “Catholics” are leaving the Church!  God bless them.  Maybe they will come back when their faith is stronger.  Maybe they will become lost sheep which the Good Shepherd will be looking for, for years to come. In the meantime, for those who are doubtful or on the brink I say:  read the Gospel of Jesus Christ not the Code of Canon Law.  Pray more and speak less.  One day you will feel a new surge of strength which may push you to become a Saint yourself.  And that will make a veritable contribution to the Catholic Church and ultimately to God’s plan for humanity.  All the rest is steam, steam, and steam!