Over at Radix Fidem, Ed Hurst said something similar to what has been on my mind for some time:
I believe we need to get used to the idea that we are very few indeed, and God is the only one who can change that.
This alludes to what Jesus said:
Matthew 7:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
One of the hardest pills to swallow as a Christian is that Christ attested that his followers would be few. One can wonder exactly how few, but we can be confident that “few” does not mean “most” or even “a significant or sizeable percentage.” But a great many who call themselves followers of Christ do not truly believe that the way which leads to life is narrow and that few will find it.
As I have been writing my ongoing review of John C. Wright’s “Universal Apologia for the Catholic Church”, it has struck me numerous times as utterly implausible that Christ’s church would be made up of nearly 3 billion followers. It is even more implausible that they could or should be unified.
The Parable of the Sower reminds us that while all receive the same message (the seed), it is each man’s heart (the soil) that is different. Lest Jesus prepare the heart, none can find. We will know Jesus’ followers by their fruit: doing the will of the Father.
Recall the advice of Jesus, who said:
Matthew 10:16
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Be careful out there. Not everyone is being honest with you, nor has your best interest in mind. Seek those who are doing the will of the Father.