Past articles have addressed apologetics as it pertains to Jesus Christ and St. Paul. The Evangelists record the Savior as a teacher and defender of God’s religion (cf. Mt 7:28-29). St. Luke chronicles St. Paul as an advocate and safeguard of this Christian truth (cf. Acts 17:2-3). It is fitting that St. Peter, the "Vicar of Christ" and "Prince of the Apostles," should also address the apologetic apostolate. The words of 1 Peter 3:13-17 are a key Scriptural guide for apologetics; each of us should heed its inspired advice.

St. Peter writes, "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is right? But even if you do suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God’s will, than for doing wrong" (1 Pt 3:13-17). Biblical exegesis of this excerpt yields at least three points of practical wisdom.

The first point under consideration from the original Vicar of Christ is that standing for the Gospel may involve suffering. This cross may take the form of verbal abuse from critics, misunderstanding from friends, or even physical harm or martyrdom. The history of the Catholic Church is filled with valiant men, women, and children who suffered for Catholic truth rather than renounce the Catholic Faith. These role models, from every walk of life, should motivate us to explain and defend Catholicism.

The Prince of the Apostles mentions, under our second point of observation, the source of grace for the apologist: the Lord Jesus Christ. The Christian must continually direct the intellect and will to the Savior. This is undertaken by allotting sufficient time, daily if possible, to studying and meditating upon Catholic doctrine. Along with study and mediation, daily prayer should be fostered under the guidance of a spiritual director. The daily recitation of the rosary, along with a focus on the Holy Eucharist via holy hours and Mass, will cultivate a spirituality that is pleasing to the Blessed Trinity. As well, the merciful Sacrament of Confession will provide necessary graces for the apologist to engage all endeavors for the greater glory of God.

The first pontiff states that we should offer answers for our hope in the Gospel: this is the third point of the Petrine text. Further, St. Peter says we have to convey this virtue of hope with kindness. This is a great challenge: the maintenance of Christian charity while responding to attacks against our Catholic beliefs. Only God’s grace sustains the explainer and defender of Catholic truth to navigate this difficult road. Each of us can succumb to interpreting criticisms against our holy religion as a personal affront. Here, the sin of pride can unwittingly flourish; we can begin to respond to Catholic critics for the wrong reasons. The apologist must understand that some attack Catholicism out of sheer ignorance. Others smear Holy Mother Church because of pure maliciousness. The Catholic Church has always had her enemies, and always will until the consummation of the world. During these attacks, be they sincere or hostile, the apologist must spiritually discern when to be a good listener, when to speak, and when to walk away for the moment. This is no simple task; apologetics work is not always easy.

The Scriptural analysis above reveals timeless papal wisdom concerning apologetics in 1 Peter 3:13-17. We discover the apologist sometimes experiences suffering, must maintain focus on the Lord, and should convey Catholicism with charity. These "side issues" are essential for apologetics. In the near future, this column will negotiate specific doctrinal topics in the apologetics field.

Ciresi serves on the faculty of the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College and directs the St. Jerome Biblical Guild.

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