The Ancient Witnesses

252 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

teachings of Christ. 46 “After such audacious acts,” agreed Hippolytus, “they lose all sense of shame, yet still attempt to call themselves a catholic Church! 47 Cyprian, next in line, advised patience with those who have fallen. Recalling Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the weeds, 48 he said, “Although there seem to be weeds in the Church, yet neither our faith nor our love ought to be hindered. Because we see that there are weeds in the Church, we ourselves should not withdraw from the Church. Rather, we only should labor that we may be wheat.” 49 “ Catholic ,” said Mentor, “is the next mark we will consider.” “I knew they were Catholic!” said Preacher. “He doesn’t mean Roman Catholic,” said Father Greg. “What does he mean?” asked Cesar. Father Greg saluted Mentor, asking for a demonstration of how the ancient witnesses used the term catholic . Mentor called on an elderly witness who read from his account of a famous Christian martyr. “Now when at last Polycarp finished praying, remembering everyone who had ever come in contact with him, both small and great, known and unknown, and all the universal ( catholikos ) Church throughout the world, it was time to depart. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Savior of our souls and Helmsman of our bodies and

46 Justin Martyr, First Apology , 16 (ANF 1.168).

47 Hippolytus, The Refutation of all Heresies , 9.7 (ANF 5, 131).

48 Matt. 13:24-30.

49 Cyprian, Letter, 50.3 (ANF 5, 327).