My perspective is that of a convert in the Texas panhandle, the middle of the buckle of the Baptist and Pentecostal Bible belt. This is a protestant region and, unfortunately, very anti-Catholic (I was one). Growing up protestant, I sat in many sermons in many churches learning that the Church is pagan and that the Pope is anti-Christ. What is more unfortunate is that many of these “pastors” will sit side-by-side with our Bishop at community events, all the while telling their congregations that the Church is an instrument of Satan. I am not exaggerating, folks. The cradle Catholics in this area don’t even realize how the protestant community in this region views the Church – it is not simply friendly disagreement about some doctrine.
I embodied Bishop Sheen’s comment that millions hate what they think the Church teaches, but few hate what the Church actually teaches. The problems are many. The solution, however, is evangelization – within and without the Church. We need to spread the Gospel to those outside of the Christian faith; we need to educate our separated brethren on the true teachings of our faith; and we need to catechize our own better. Now, I just need to figure how to do this! I am on the RCIA team at the Cathedral, but we need a plan for more community education and outreach.
I look forward to the thoughts and comments continuing on this thread.
Nowhere does this passage say we should not look and consider the specks in the eyes of others. It simply states we must first take notice of our own faults.