Divisions in society

Conferences of the Rev. Père Lacordaire, p. 114-115*

If we turn our eyes towards society we … find … divisions.

…In society intelligent beings combat intelligent beings, will combats will, empires destroy empires; generations appear to extinguish themselves in space. And all this is accomplished not only for things present, but for things eternal. Some desire that the great object should be to guide nations to eternity, others regard this object with hatred. Thus, society which is instituted for peace, in order that each might have his share of air, of sun, and of life, to prevent oppression, to unite us as in one bond, to enable us to gain present and future good, this society is but a state of desolation, of irremediable division.

And, strange to say! since the appearance of Christianity in the world, since the existence of the Church, this division is increased: the children of darkness and those of light have pursued each other with a vehemence of hatred before unknown. In paganism there was at least a kind of harmony; they respected the same altars, the philosophers did not insult the faith of the more humble people. Those great and good geniuses, Socrates, Plato, Cicero, said that it was necessary to do what the people did, instead of throwing discredit on their belief, and imposing doctrines upon them which they did not understand. But we, Christians, when we had holy altars, a pure gospel, a clergy faithful to its duties, when we had an overflowing of divine knowledge and charity, it was at that moment that conspirations were formed against the altars, it was then that the struggle commenced between the empire and the priesthood which, in time, produced the anarchy which you behold.

As to nature… so powerful and so rich, how poor has it been for us! Have we all enough light, and air, and heat? There are millions of stars which could impart to us that warmth which we want; there are hands in this city which have not felt it during five months. What prodigality and what avarice!